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Interpreting Lab Values and Nursing Actions Flashcards

7 cards from real LPN 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's urinalysis shows glucose 3+ and ketones 2+. What condition does the LPN suspect?

    Answer: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)

    Glucosuria and ketonuria together are hallmark findings of diabetic ketoacidosis due to insulin deficiency and fat catabolism.

  2. A patient's serum albumin is 2.1 g/dL. Which complication is the patient most at risk for?

    Answer: Edema and impaired wound healing

    Low albumin (<3.5 g/dL) reduces plasma oncotic pressure, causing third-spacing and edema, and impairs tissue repair.

  3. A patient's ABG shows pH 7.50, PaCO2 50 mmHg, HCO3 38 mEq/L. What does this indicate?

    Answer: Metabolic alkalosis with respiratory compensation

    High pH and high HCO3 indicate metabolic alkalosis; the elevated PaCO2 reflects hypoventilation as respiratory compensation.

  4. A patient has an LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) of 850 U/L. Which condition is this finding most associated with?

    Answer: Tissue damage such as MI, hemolysis, or liver injury

    Elevated LDH indicates widespread tissue damage and is non-specifically elevated in MI, hemolytic anemia, and hepatic injury.

  5. A patient receiving a blood transfusion develops flank pain and dark urine. Which lab change would confirm a hemolytic transfusion reaction?

    Answer: Elevated plasma free hemoglobin and hemoglobinuria

    Hemolysis releases free hemoglobin into the plasma and urine, producing hemoglobinemia and hemoglobinuria as definitive markers of a hemolytic reaction.

  6. A patient's serum TSH is 0.05 mIU/L and free T4 is elevated. Which clinical findings would the LPN expect?

    Answer: Tachycardia, heat intolerance, and weight loss

    Low TSH with high free T4 indicates hyperthyroidism, causing increased metabolic rate with tachycardia, heat intolerance, and unintentional weight loss.

  7. A patient's urine specific gravity is 1.030. How should the LPN interpret this finding?

    Answer: Concentrated urine, likely indicating dehydration

    Urine specific gravity >1.025 indicates highly concentrated urine, most commonly due to dehydration or inadequate fluid intake.

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Sources & references

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  1. pearsonvue.com — Exam information · verified Nov 2026
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Interpreting Lab Values and Nursing Actions Flashcards — LPN Study Cards with Answers