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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1.Easy

What does a raised C-reactive protein (CRP) mainly indicate?

  1. ADehydration and fluid loss
  2. BA heart attack in particular
  3. CKidney failure in particular
  4. DInflammation in the body
2.Easy

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

  1. AShaped like a sickle
  2. BLarger than normal (macrocytic)
  3. CPaler than normal (hypochromic)
  4. DMore numerous than normal
3.Easy

Neutropenia is usually defined as an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) below about:

  1. A5.0 × 10³/µL (5000/mm³)
  2. B150 × 10³/µL (150 000/mm³)
  3. C1.5 × 10³/µL (1500/mm³)
  4. D15 × 10³/µL (15 000/mm³)
4.Medium

How does IV calcium gluconate help a patient with severe hyperkalemia?

  1. AIt moves potassium from the blood into the cells
  2. BIt increases potassium excretion by the kidneys
  3. CIt binds potassium in the gut so that it is passed in the stool
  4. DIt stabilizes heart cell membranes without lowering potassium
5.Medium

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

  1. AAlbumin and calcium are measured with the same chemical reaction, so they always fall together
  2. BLow albumin makes every calcium test inaccurate and useless
  3. CLow albumin always causes true, symptomatic hypocalcemia
  4. DMuch calcium is bound to albumin, so total calcium falls even if ionized calcium is normal
6.Medium

A patient on a heparin infusion has an aPTT below the target range on the protocol. What should the nurse do?

  1. AStop the infusion and give protamine sulfate as quickly as possible
  2. BSwitch the infusion to oral warfarin without a prescription
  3. CAdjust the rate as the protocol directs and recheck as scheduled
  4. DContinue the same rate and recheck the aPTT in a few days
7.Hard

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. AReport urgently for imaging and possible reversal
  2. BGive acetaminophen (paracetamol) and recheck the INR tomorrow
  3. CEncourage rest in a dark room to settle the pain
  4. DHold warfarin for one dose and observe at home
8.Hard

A patient with schizophrenia drinks very large amounts of water each day. Sodium is 121 mEq/L, and the urine is very dilute (urine osmolality 70 mOsm/kg). Which explanation fits best?

  1. ACentral diabetes insipidus
  2. BSyndrome of inappropriate ADH
  3. CHyperosmolar hyperglycemic state
  4. DPrimary (psychogenic) polydipsia

Answer key

  1. 1. D · Inflammation in the body
  2. 2. C · Paler than normal (hypochromic)
  3. 3. C · 1.5 × 10³/µL (1500/mm³)
  4. 4. D · It stabilizes heart cell membranes without lowering potassium
  5. 5. D · Much calcium is bound to albumin, so total calcium falls even if ionized calcium is normal
  6. 6. C · Adjust the rate as the protocol directs and recheck as scheduled
  7. 7. A · Report urgently for imaging and possible reversal
  8. 8. D · Primary (psychogenic) polydipsia

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