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

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

  1. A150 × 10³/µL (150 000/mm³)
  2. B1.5 × 10³/µL (1500/mm³)
  3. C15 × 10³/µL (15 000/mm³)
  4. D5.0 × 10³/µL (5000/mm³)
2.Easy

Lactate is mainly produced when cells:

  1. AStore glucose as glycogen in the muscles
  2. BBreak down fat completely with oxygen
  3. CBreak down protein in the liver for energy
  4. DBreak down glucose without enough oxygen
3.Easy

An older adult is found on the floor after lying there for many hours. Which blood test best shows breakdown of skeletal muscle (rhabdomyolysis)?

  1. ASerum lipase
  2. BCreatine kinase (CK)
  3. CHemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)
  4. DSerum albumin
4.Medium

A patient's potassium is 7.0 mEq/L. Which ECG change would the nurse expect?

  1. ATall, peaked T waves
  2. BProminent U waves
  3. CFlattened T waves
  4. DDelta waves before the QRS
5.Medium

A patient receives subcutaneous enoxaparin (a low-molecular-weight heparin). Which statement about monitoring is correct?

  1. ANo routine aPTT; platelets and kidney function are checked instead
  2. BNo blood tests of any kind are ever needed
  3. CThe INR is used to adjust each dose, as with warfarin
  4. DThe aPTT must be checked every 6 hours to adjust the dose
6.Medium

When blood is drawn from a central venous catheter, why is a small volume of blood usually discarded first, according to policy?

  1. ATo check that the catheter tip is still in the right vein
  2. BTo avoid diluting the sample with flush or infusion fluid
  3. CTo remove blood clots that form in all central lines
  4. DTo lower the patient's hemoglobin for a blood transfusion
7.Hard

A patient without symptoms has a TSH of 7.5 mIU/L on two occasions with a normal free T4. Which term fits best?

  1. ASecondary hypothyroidism
  2. BSubclinical hyperthyroidism
  3. COvert primary hypothyroidism
  4. DSubclinical hypothyroidism
8.Hard

A patient with ongoing hemolytic anemia has an HbA1c of 4.6%, but home glucose readings are often 180–220 mg/dL (10–12 mmol/L). What best explains the gap?

  1. AThe patient has true, well-controlled diabetes
  2. BThe home glucose meter is reading falsely high
  3. CHemolysis makes the HbA1c test read too high
  4. DShort red cell life span lowers the HbA1c falsely

Answer key

  1. 1. B · 1.5 × 10³/µL (1500/mm³)
  2. 2. D · Break down glucose without enough oxygen
  3. 3. B · Creatine kinase (CK)
  4. 4. A · Tall, peaked T waves
  5. 5. A · No routine aPTT; platelets and kidney function are checked instead
  6. 6. B · To avoid diluting the sample with flush or infusion fluid
  7. 7. D · Subclinical hypothyroidism
  8. 8. D · Short red cell life span lowers the HbA1c falsely

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