ABPath Chemical Pathology 3

Question 1

A patient with hemolyzed serum will show a falsely increased value for which analyte?

Accepted Answer

Potassium

Answer

Red cells are rich in potassium, so hemolysis releases it into serum and elevates the measured value.

Question 2

The best screening test for adrenal insufficiency is which of the following?

Accepted Answer

ACTH (cosyntropin) stimulation test

Answer

The cosyntropin stimulation test assesses adrenal cortisol reserve and is standard for diagnosing insufficiency.

Question 3

In a patient with suspected multiple myeloma, which test detects a monoclonal protein spike?

Accepted Answer

Serum protein electrophoresis

Answer

Serum protein electrophoresis reveals the characteristic monoclonal (M) band of a paraprotein.

Question 4

Which acid-base disorder is expected in a patient with severe prolonged vomiting?

Accepted Answer

Metabolic alkalosis

Answer

Loss of gastric hydrochloric acid depletes hydrogen ions and produces metabolic alkalosis.

Question 5

Elevated conjugated (direct) bilirubin with elevated alkaline phosphatase most suggests which process?

Accepted Answer

Cholestasis/biliary obstruction

Answer

Obstruction to bile flow raises conjugated bilirubin and ALP, the hallmark of a cholestatic pattern.

American Board of Pathology (ABPath) Practice Test