Lab values & electrolytes worksheet with answers

A low mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) means that the red cells are:

1. APaler than normal (hypochromic)
2. BLarger than normal (macrocytic)
3. CMore numerous than normal
4. DShaped like a sickle

A blood lactate level above about which value is usually considered raised in an adult?

1. A0.2 mmol/L
2. B2 mmol/L
3. C20 mmol/L
4. D10 mmol/L

The HbA1c reflects the average blood glucose over about which period?

1. AThe past 2–3 months
2. BThe past 1–2 weeks
3. CThe past 24 hours
4. DThe past 1–2 years

How often is the INR usually checked when warfarin is first started?

1. AEvery few days, until it is stable
2. BOnce a year, at a routine visit
3. COnly if bleeding occurs at home
4. DEvery hour, during the first week

A patient starts high-dose prednisone. Which laboratory change should the nurse expect?

1. AA fall in serum sodium
2. BA rise in serum potassium
3. CA rise in blood glucose
4. DA fall in the white cell count

Which blood collection practice helps prevent hemolysis of the sample?

1. AGently inverting the tubes instead of shaking them
2. BLeaving the tourniquet on for at least 3 minutes
3. CUsing the smallest needle available for every patient
4. DForcing blood quickly through a needle into the tube

A patient on warfarin with an INR of 3.6 fell and hit their head an hour ago. They now report a worsening headache and drowsiness. What is the priority?

1. AHold warfarin for one dose and observe at home
2. BEncourage rest in a dark room to settle the pain
3. CReport urgently for imaging and possible reversal
4. DGive acetaminophen (paracetamol) and recheck the INR tomorrow

A patient's total calcium is 7.6 mg/dL and the albumin is 2.0 g/dL. Using the common correction (add 0.8 mg/dL for each 1 g/dL that albumin is below 4.0), what is the corrected calcium?

1. A9.2 mg/dL, within the normal range
2. B11.6 mg/dL, above the normal range
3. C7.6 mg/dL, below the normal range
4. D6.0 mg/dL, well below the normal range