Lab values & electrolytes worksheet with answers

What is a typical adult reference range for serum albumin?

1. AAbout 12–16 g/dL (120–160 g/L)
2. BAbout 3.5–5.0 g/dL (35–50 g/L)
3. CAbout 8.5–10.5 g/dL (85–105 g/L)
4. DAbout 0.5–1.0 g/dL (5–10 g/L)

About what proportion of total serum calcium is in the free (ionized) form?

1. AAbout one tenth
2. BAbout half
3. CAlmost none
4. DNearly all

Which substance contributes most to normal serum osmolality?

1. APlasma albumin
2. BGlucose in plasma
3. CSodium and its anions
4. DUrea (from BUN)

Which change in clotting tests is normal in late pregnancy?

1. APlatelets rise above 600 × 10³/µL
2. BaPTT doubles from baseline
3. CINR rises to about 3.0
4. DFibrinogen and D-dimer rise

A patient’s white cell count is 16 × 10³/µL with a high proportion of immature neutrophils (bands). What does this most likely indicate?

1. AIron-deficiency anemia
2. BA normal result
3. CA chronic viral illness only
4. DAn acute bacterial infection

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. BPotassium, because trimethoprim can raise it
3. CCalcium, because the drug binds calcium in the gut
4. DChloride, because the drug causes chloride loss

A patient has a hemoglobin of 11.2 g/dL (112 g/L), an MCV of 64 fL, a normal ferritin and a normal-to-high red cell count. What is the most likely cause?

1. AVitamin B₁₂ deficiency
2. BIron deficiency
3. CAcute blood loss
4. DThalassemia trait

A patient taking apixaban asks why they do not need regular INR tests like their neighbor on warfarin. What is the best explanation?

1. AThe INR is checked secretly together with the other routine blood tests
2. BApixaban does not actually thin the blood
3. CApixaban is monitored with an aPTT every day instead
4. DIts effect is predictable, so routine clotting tests are not needed