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Clinical Chemistry Flashcards

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

Read the first 7 Clinical Chemistry flashcards as text

  1. Which thyroid function test is considered the most sensitive initial screening test for thyroid disorders?

    Answer: Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)

    TSH is the most sensitive initial screening test because small changes in thyroid hormone levels trigger large compensatory changes in TSH secretion.

  2. A patient has elevated AST and ALT with a De Ritis ratio (AST/ALT) greater than 2:1. This pattern is most consistent with which condition?

    Answer: Alcoholic liver disease

    An AST/ALT ratio greater than 2:1 is characteristic of alcoholic liver disease because alcohol and its metabolites selectively damage mitochondria, elevating AST disproportionately.

  3. Which analyte is measured to assess pancreatic exocrine function and is elevated in acute pancreatitis?

    Answer: Lipase and amylase

    Lipase and amylase are pancreatic enzymes released into the bloodstream during acute pancreatitis, with lipase being more specific and remaining elevated longer.

  4. In a patient with metabolic acidosis, which finding would indicate respiratory compensation?

    Answer: Decreased PCO2 below 40 mmHg

    In metabolic acidosis, the respiratory system compensates by hyperventilating to blow off CO2, resulting in a decreased PCO2.

  5. Which protein is measured to assess long-term glycemic control over approximately 2-3 months?

    Answer: Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c)

    HbA1c reflects average blood glucose over the preceding 2-3 months, correlating with the lifespan of red blood cells.

  6. A serum total bilirubin is 8 mg/dL with direct bilirubin of 6.5 mg/dL. This fractionation pattern is most consistent with which type of jaundice?

    Answer: Posthepatic (obstructive) jaundice

    Elevated direct (conjugated) bilirubin predominating over indirect bilirubin indicates posthepatic obstruction, where conjugated bilirubin cannot be excreted into bile.

  7. Which electrolyte abnormality is most likely to cause prolonged QT interval and potentially fatal cardiac arrhythmias?

    Answer: Hypomagnesemia

    Hypomagnesemia can prolong the QT interval and cause life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes.