Lab values & electrolytes worksheet with answers

Free printable Lab values & electrolytes worksheet: 8 problems from easy to exam level, with an answer key. Print it or save it as a PDF.

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Name: ____________________   Date: ____________

1.Easy

Which laboratory result is most closely linked to yellow skin and eyes (jaundice)?

  1. ARaised serum potassium
  2. BLow serum calcium
  3. CLow platelet count
  4. DRaised serum bilirubin
2.Easy

Which body system shows the main symptoms of a low serum sodium?

  1. AThe skin and hair
  2. BThe nervous system
  3. CThe skeleton
  4. DThe eyes only
3.Easy

In iron-deficiency anemia, the total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) is usually:

  1. ANormal
  2. BHigh
  3. CAbsent
  4. DLow
4.Medium

A patient taking spironolactone asks about using a salt substitute. What should the nurse explain?

  1. ASalt substitutes are fine as long as the patient drinks more water
  2. BMost salt substitutes contain potassium and can raise the level too high
  3. CSalt substitutes are safe because they contain only sodium chloride
  4. DSalt substitutes protect against the potassium loss caused by this drug
5.Medium

An older adult with chronic kidney disease starts trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for a urinary tract infection. Which electrolyte should be monitored closely?

  1. ASodium, because the drug causes heavy sodium retention
  2. BCalcium, because the drug binds calcium in the gut
  3. CPotassium, because trimethoprim can raise it
  4. DChloride, because the drug causes chloride loss
6.Medium

A patient has a calcium of 11.8 mg/dL (2.95 mmol/L) from bone metastases. Which nursing measure is appropriate?

  1. AEncourage fluids and mobility as tolerated
  2. BOffer extra milk and cheese at each meal
  3. CEncourage bed rest and limit oral fluids
  4. DGive calcium carbonate antacids for nausea
7.Hard

A patient receiving IV magnesium sulfate has a respiratory rate of 9/min and absent patellar reflexes. After stopping the infusion, which medication should the nurse expect to give?

  1. ASodium bicarbonate
  2. BCalcium gluconate
  3. CProtamine sulfate
  4. DPotassium chloride
8.Hard

A patient’s potassium has been 3.4–3.6 mEq/L for months, and a single result today is 5.4 mEq/L. The patient feels well and the ECG is normal. What is the best next step?

  1. AIgnore the result, because the patient feels well
  2. BCheck how the sample was taken, assess the patient and repeat the test
  3. CStart a potassium binder immediately without further checks
  4. DStop all of the patient’s regular medicines

Answer key

  1. 1. D · Raised serum bilirubin
  2. 2. B · The nervous system
  3. 3. B · High
  4. 4. B · Most salt substitutes contain potassium and can raise the level too high
  5. 5. C · Potassium, because trimethoprim can raise it
  6. 6. A · Encourage fluids and mobility as tolerated
  7. 7. B · Calcium gluconate
  8. 8. B · Check how the sample was taken, assess the patient and repeat the test

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