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 is the main effect of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) on the kidneys?

  1. AMore glucose is excreted, so the urine contains sugar
  2. BMore potassium is reabsorbed, so the serum potassium rises
  3. CMore water is reabsorbed, so urine is concentrated
  4. DMore water is excreted, so the urine becomes dilute
2.Easy

The sweat chloride test is used to diagnose which condition?

  1. AHypothyroidism
  2. BSickle cell disease
  3. CCystic fibrosis
  4. DDiabetes mellitus
3.Easy

Which antibody test is most specific for rheumatoid arthritis?

  1. AAnti-CCP antibodies
  2. BAntinuclear antibody
  3. CAnti-D antibody
  4. DAnti-HBs antibody
4.Medium

A patient with pneumonia had a CRP of 180 mg/L on admission and 40 mg/L after 4 days of antibiotics. What does this most likely show?

  1. AThe inflammation is settling with treatment
  2. BThe antibiotic is causing liver damage
  3. CThe infection has spread to another organ
  4. DThe patient has developed a new infection
5.Medium

When is a peak level for an IV aminoglycoside such as gentamicin usually drawn?

  1. AAbout 30 minutes after the infusion ends
  2. BJust before the next dose is started
  3. CAt any time convenient for the patient
  4. DExactly 24 hours after the first dose
6.Medium

A patient is on an IV insulin infusion protocol in the ICU. How often is the blood glucose usually checked?

  1. AOnce every 12 hours
  2. BOnce a day before breakfast
  3. CAbout every hour
  4. DOnly if symptoms occur
7.Hard

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

A patient has a continuous heparin infusion for a pulmonary embolism. A new nurse plans to adjust the infusion using today's INR of 1.1. What should the experienced nurse explain?

  1. AThe INR of 1.1 means the heparin rate must be doubled at once
  2. BThe INR is the correct test, and 1.1 means heparin is therapeutic
  3. CHeparin needs no laboratory monitoring once the infusion is started
  4. DHeparin is adjusted using the aPTT or anti-Xa level, not the INR

Answer key

  1. 1. C · More water is reabsorbed, so urine is concentrated
  2. 2. C · Cystic fibrosis
  3. 3. A · Anti-CCP antibodies
  4. 4. A · The inflammation is settling with treatment
  5. 5. A · About 30 minutes after the infusion ends
  6. 6. C · About every hour
  7. 7. B · Warfarin takes several days to reach its full anticoagulant effect
  8. 8. D · Heparin is adjusted using the aPTT or anti-Xa level, not the INR

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