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Chemical Pathology Flashcards

7 cards from real ABPATH practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

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

    Answer: Potassium

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

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

    Answer: ACTH (cosyntropin) stimulation test

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

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

    Answer: Serum protein electrophoresis

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

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

    Answer: Metabolic alkalosis

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

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

    Answer: Cholestasis/biliary obstruction

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

  6. Which analyte requires collection on ice and rapid processing to avoid falsely low results?

    Answer: Ammonia

    Ammonia rises rapidly at room temperature from deamination, so chilled tubes and quick processing are required.

  7. A markedly elevated hCG with a uterine mass and 'snowstorm' ultrasound suggests which condition?

    Answer: Hydatidiform mole

    Molar pregnancy produces very high hCG levels with characteristic vesicular sonographic appearance.