Lab values & electrolytes worksheet with answers

What does normal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) look like?

1. AClear and colorless
2. BThick and green
3. CPink and bloody
4. DCloudy and yellow

What is a typical adult reference range for serum sodium?

1. A95–105 mEq/L
2. B135–145 mEq/L
3. C150–165 mEq/L
4. D3.5–5.0 mEq/L

What is a typical adult reference range for serum creatinine?

1. AAbout 135–145 mg/dL
2. BAbout 0.6–1.2 mg/dL
3. CAbout 10–20 mg/dL
4. DAbout 3.5–5.0 mg/dL

Why is a blood β-hydroxybutyrate level often preferred to a urine ketone dipstick in DKA?

1. AIt shows the average ketone level over the past three months
2. BThe urine dipstick only detects ketones in people without diabetes
3. CIt is the only test that can measure glucose and ketones together
4. DIt measures the main ketone in DKA, and the dipstick may miss it

A patient with diabetes also takes propranolol. Why is regular glucose monitoring especially important?

1. AThe drug stops the meter from reading correctly
2. BThe drug can mask warning signs of hypoglycemia
3. CThe drug causes very high glucose in all patients
4. DThe drug blocks the insulin injection site

A patient with cirrhosis has an albumin of 2.2 g/dL (22 g/L). Which finding is most likely related?

1. AEdema and ascites
2. BIncreased urine output
3. CHigh blood pressure
4. DHyperkalemia

A patient with a new deep vein thrombosis is on a heparin infusion, and warfarin has just been started. Why is the heparin continued for several days?

1. AHeparin prevents the side effects of warfarin
2. BHeparin increases the absorption of warfarin from the gut
3. CWarfarin takes several days to reach its full anticoagulant effect
4. DWarfarin only works when heparin is given at the same time

A patient has sudden episodes of severe headache, sweating, palpitations and very high blood pressure. Which test is most useful to look for the cause?

1. APlasma free metanephrines
2. BSerum TSH and free T₄
3. CSerum calcium only
4. DFasting lipid profile