Lab values & electrolytes worksheet with answers

For many non-pregnant adults with diabetes, which HbA1c target is commonly recommended?

1. AAbove 9% (75 mmol/mol)
2. BBelow 10% (86 mmol/mol)
3. CBelow 4% (20 mmol/mol)
4. DBelow 7% (53 mmol/mol)

Where are urinary casts formed?

1. AIn the kidney tubules
2. BIn the ureters
3. CIn the urethra
4. DIn the urinary bladder

Which drug commonly causes a low serum potassium?

1. ALisinopril
2. BSpironolactone
3. CAmiloride
4. DFurosemide

Why must a low total calcium be interpreted with care in a patient with a low serum albumin?

1. ALow albumin always causes true, symptomatic hypocalcemia
2. BAlbumin and calcium are measured with the same chemical reaction, so they always fall together
3. CMuch calcium is bound to albumin, so total calcium falls even if ionized calcium is normal
4. DLow albumin makes every calcium test inaccurate and useless

A patient who has been vomiting for two days has a BUN of 32 mg/dL (urea 11.4 mmol/L) and a normal creatinine. What is the most likely cause?

1. ALow-protein diet
2. BLiver failure
3. CDehydration
4. DOverhydration

A patient takes high-dose furosemide. Besides potassium, which electrolyte is most commonly lowered?

1. APhosphate
2. BUric acid
3. CMagnesium
4. DSodium bicarbonate

A patient with chronic hyponatremia (sodium 118 mEq/L) is being treated. Why must the sodium be raised slowly?

1. AIt can cause osmotic demyelination, a serious brain injury
2. BRapid correction makes the sodium fall again even further
3. CSlow correction is needed only to reduce hospital costs
4. DRapid correction causes hypokalemia, which is the only risk

A patient with suspected Cushing syndrome takes dexamethasone at night. The next morning, the cortisol is still high. What does this suggest?

1. ACortisol is being produced without normal feedback control
2. BThe adrenal glands are not able to produce enough cortisol
3. CThe result is normal, as dexamethasone raises cortisol
4. DThe patient has primary hypothyroidism instead