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 "culture and sensitivity" test of a sample show?

  1. AHow many white cells are present in the sample
  2. BWhether the patient is allergic to an antibiotic
  3. CThe amount of antibiotic in the patient's blood
  4. DWhich organism grows and which antibiotics work on it
2.Easy

A raised lymphocyte count is most typical of:

  1. AIron deficiency
  2. BAllergic asthma
  3. CViral infections
  4. DBacterial abscesses
3.Easy

Which hemoglobin value in an adult woman is below the typical reference range?

  1. A13.5 g/dL (135 g/L)
  2. B12.8 g/dL (128 g/L)
  3. C9.2 g/dL (92 g/L)
  4. D14.6 g/dL (146 g/L)
4.Medium

A patient with sickle cell disease takes hydroxyurea. Which laboratory test is monitored regularly for an adverse effect?

  1. ASerum lithium level
  2. BComplete blood count
  3. CSerum amylase level
  4. DUrine ketone level
5.Medium

When should the nurse check the glucose before giving a mealtime dose of rapid-acting insulin (such as lispro)?

  1. AAt bedtime only, then giving the mealtime insulin overnight
  2. BJust before the meal, giving insulin when the food is ready
  3. COnly once a day, then giving the same dose before every meal
  4. DTwo hours after the meal, then giving the insulin dose
6.Medium

A patient has a hot, swollen big toe. The serum uric acid is normal. Which statement is correct?

  1. AGout is ruled out, as uric acid is always high in an attack
  2. BGout is still possible, as urate can be normal in an attack
  3. CGout can only be diagnosed with a CT scan of the foot
  4. DGout is certain, as a normal urate proves the diagnosis
7.Hard

A patient’s vancomycin trough is 28 mcg/mL; the target set by the prescriber is 15–20 mcg/mL. The next dose is due now. What is the best action?

  1. AGive the dose over a shorter time to reduce exposure
  2. BGive the dose as scheduled and recheck the trough level in a week
  3. CGive a double dose to finish the course faster
  4. DHold the dose, inform the prescriber and check kidney function
8.Hard

A patient on long-term amiodarone has fatigue and weight gain. TSH is 11 mIU/L and the free T4 is low. What is the most likely explanation?

  1. AAmiodarone-induced hyperthyroidism
  2. BAmiodarone-induced hypothyroidism
  3. CA normal response to amiodarone needing no action
  4. DSecondary hypothyroidism from pituitary failure

Answer key

  1. 1. D · Which organism grows and which antibiotics work on it
  2. 2. C · Viral infections
  3. 3. C · 9.2 g/dL (92 g/L)
  4. 4. B · Complete blood count
  5. 5. B · Just before the meal, giving insulin when the food is ready
  6. 6. B · Gout is still possible, as urate can be normal in an attack
  7. 7. D · Hold the dose, inform the prescriber and check kidney function
  8. 8. B · Amiodarone-induced hypothyroidism

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