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Quizzes > Health & Medicine > Human Anatomy & Medicine

Lab Results Nursing Quiz: Test Your Lab Value Knowledge

Ready to tackle nursing lab results and lab test questions? Start now!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration for a nursing lab results quiz on a teal background

The Lab Results Nursing Quiz helps you practice key nursing lab results - normal ranges, critical values, and what they mean in care. Work through fast, exam-style questions to spot gaps before NCLEX or clinicals and build confidence. Want a quick vitals review too? Try the vital signs quiz next.

What is the normal fasting blood glucose range in adults?
60 - 110 mg/dL
50 - 90 mg/dL
70 - 100 mg/dL
80 - 120 mg/dL
The normal fasting blood glucose range for adults is 70 - 100 mg/dL. Values above this range may indicate prediabetes or diabetes, while values below may suggest hypoglycemia. Monitoring fasting glucose helps in early detection and management of glucose metabolism disorders.
What is the normal adult white blood cell (WBC) count?
4,500 - 11,000 cells/µL
10,000 - 20,000 cells/µL
1,000 - 5,000 cells/µL
500 - 1,500 cells/µL
A normal adult WBC count ranges from 4,500 to 11,000 cells per microliter, which reflects adequate immune function. Counts above this range suggest infection, inflammation, or leukemic processes, while lower counts can indicate bone marrow suppression or autoimmune disorders. Regular WBC monitoring is essential in many clinical settings.
What is the normal hemoglobin range for adult females?
14 - 18 g/dL
12 - 16 g/dL
10 - 14 g/dL
8 - 12 g/dL
The normal hemoglobin for adult females ranges from 12 to 16 g/dL, reflecting adequate oxygen-carrying capacity. Levels below this may indicate anemia or chronic disease, while elevated levels can result from polycythemia or dehydration. Hemoglobin is a key metric in evaluating overall health status.
What is the normal platelet count range in adults?
450,000 - 600,000 cells/µL
600,000 - 800,000 cells/µL
50,000 - 150,000 cells/µL
150,000 - 450,000 cells/µL
Normal adult platelet counts range from 150,000 to 450,000 per microliter, essential for proper clotting function. Thrombocytopenia (low count) risks bleeding, while thrombocytosis (high count) can cause thrombosis. Platelet counts are routinely checked before surgeries.
What is the normal serum sodium level?
135 - 145 mEq/L
120 - 130 mEq/L
130 - 140 mEq/L
145 - 155 mEq/L
Serum sodium levels normally range from 135 to 145 mEq/L and are critical for fluid balance and nerve function. Hyponatremia (<135) can cause confusion and seizures, whereas hypernatremia (>145) can lead to dehydration and neurological symptoms. Electrolyte monitoring guides fluid management.
What is the normal serum potassium level?
5.0 - 6.5 mEq/L
2.5 - 3.5 mEq/L
4.5 - 5.5 mEq/L
3.5 - 5.0 mEq/L
Normal serum potassium levels are between 3.5 and 5.0 mEq/L, critical for cardiac and muscle function. Hypokalemia (<3.5) can cause arrhythmias and muscle weakness; hyperkalemia (>5.0) can lead to dangerous cardiac conduction changes. Regular monitoring is vital in patients on diuretics.
What is the normal blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level?
20 - 40 mg/dL
15 - 30 mg/dL
3 - 10 mg/dL
7 - 20 mg/dL
Normal BUN ranges from 7 to 20 mg/dL and reflects kidney function and protein metabolism. Elevated BUN can indicate renal impairment or dehydration, while low BUN may be seen in liver disease or malnutrition. BUN is often interpreted with creatinine for renal assessment.
What is the normal serum creatinine level in adult males?
1.5 - 2.0 mg/dL
0.74 - 1.35 mg/dL
1.0 - 1.5 mg/dL
0.5 - 0.8 mg/dL
Normal adult male serum creatinine is between 0.74 and 1.35 mg/dL, reflecting muscle metabolism and kidney filtration. Elevated levels often indicate impaired renal function or muscle breakdown. It is used to calculate glomerular filtration rate (GFR).
What is considered a desirable total cholesterol level in adults?
240 - 279 mg/dL
200 - 239 mg/dL
>280 mg/dL
<200 mg/dL
A total cholesterol level below 200 mg/dL is considered desirable, reducing cardiovascular disease risk. Levels between 200 and 239 mg/dL are borderline high and warrant lifestyle changes, while levels above 240 mg/dL are high and may require treatment. Lipid profiles guide therapy decisions.
What is the normal arterial blood pH range?
7.45 - 7.55
7.25 - 7.35
7.35 - 7.45
7.30 - 7.50
Normal arterial blood pH ranges from 7.35 to 7.45, indicating balanced acid-base status. Values below 7.35 denote acidosis; above 7.45 indicate alkalosis. Monitoring arterial pH is critical in respiratory and metabolic disorders.
An elevated troponin level primarily indicates which condition?
Myocardial injury or infarction
Pulmonary embolism
Acute renal failure
Liver cirrhosis
Cardiac troponins are proteins released when myocardial cells are injured. Elevated troponin I or T levels are highly specific for myocardial infarction and help confirm acute coronary syndromes. Levels rise within hours of injury and remain elevated for days.
What is the typical therapeutic INR range for a patient on warfarin for atrial fibrillation?
3.5 - 4.5
4.0 - 5.0
2.0 - 3.0
1.0 - 1.5
The target INR for most patients on warfarin for atrial fibrillation is between 2.0 and 3.0, balancing stroke prevention and bleeding risk. An INR below 2.0 may not provide adequate anticoagulation; above 3.0 increases bleeding risk. Regular monitoring is essential for dose adjustment.
What is the normal activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) range for adults?
40 - 50 seconds
60 - 70 seconds
10 - 20 seconds
25 - 35 seconds
Normal aPTT for adults is usually 25 - 35 seconds, evaluating the intrinsic and common coagulation pathways. It is used to monitor unfractionated heparin therapy. Prolonged aPTT may indicate clotting factor deficiencies or heparin overdose.
An AST to ALT ratio greater than 2:1 most commonly suggests which condition?
Alcoholic liver disease
Autoimmune hepatitis
Hemochromatosis
Viral hepatitis
In alcoholic liver disease, AST levels rise disproportionately compared to ALT, often giving a ratio >2:1. In viral or other liver diseases, ALT often exceeds AST. This pattern helps differentiate alcoholic damage from other hepatopathies.
What is the normal serum albumin level in adults?
2.0 - 3.0 g/dL
1.5 - 2.5 g/dL
3.5 - 5.0 g/dL
5.5 - 7.0 g/dL
Normal adult serum albumin ranges from 3.5 to 5.0 g/dL, reflecting nutritional status and liver function. Low albumin levels can indicate liver disease, malnutrition, or nephrotic syndrome. Albumin contributes to oncotic pressure and drug binding.
What is the normal alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level in adults?
44 - 147 IU/L
150 - 300 IU/L
300 - 500 IU/L
10 - 40 IU/L
Normal adult ALP levels range from 44 to 147 IU/L and are produced by the liver, bones, and other tissues. Elevated ALP can indicate cholestasis, bone disease, or infiltrative liver disorders. Interpretation depends on clinical context and other enzymes.
What is a normal C-reactive protein (CRP) level?
20 - 30 mg/L
<10 mg/L
30 - 40 mg/L
10 - 20 mg/L
Normal CRP levels are less than 10 mg/L; higher levels suggest acute inflammation or infection. CRP is a sensitive but non-specific marker and rises rapidly in response to tissue injury. It is used to monitor inflammatory conditions.
What is the normal thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) range?
4.5 - 10.0 mIU/L
0.4 - 4.0 mIU/L
5.0 - 15.0 mIU/L
0.1 - 0.5 mIU/L
Normal TSH ranges from 0.4 to 4.0 mIU/L, regulating thyroid hormone production. Values above this suggest hypothyroidism; below indicate hyperthyroidism. TSH is the initial screen for thyroid function.
What is the normal free T4 (thyroxine) level?
1.8 - 2.5 ng/dL
0.2 - 0.6 ng/dL
2.0 - 3.0 ng/dL
0.8 - 1.8 ng/dL
Normal free T4 ranges from 0.8 to 1.8 ng/dL, representing the bioactive form of thyroxine. Free T4 levels help confirm primary thyroid disorders after TSH screening. Abnormal levels guide treatment for hypo- or hyperthyroidism.
What is the normal arterial PaCO2 in mmHg?
45 - 55 mmHg
15 - 25 mmHg
25 - 35 mmHg
35 - 45 mmHg
Normal arterial PaCO2 ranges from 35 to 45 mmHg and reflects respiratory function and ventilation. Elevated PaCO2 indicates hypoventilation or respiratory acidosis; low PaCO2 indicates hyperventilation or respiratory alkalosis. PaCO2 is a key component of ABG interpretation.
What is the normal anion gap range?
8 - 12 mEq/L
16 - 20 mEq/L
12 - 16 mEq/L
4 - 6 mEq/L
The normal anion gap, calculated as (Na + K) - (Cl + HCO3), is 8 - 12 mEq/L. It helps identify types of metabolic acidosis; an elevated gap suggests accumulation of acids like lactate or ketones. Interpretation must consider lab reference ranges and potassium inclusion.
What is the normal serum lactate level?
2.5 - 4.0 mmol/L
0.1 - 0.4 mmol/L
4.0 - 6.0 mmol/L
0.5 - 2.2 mmol/L
Normal serum lactate ranges from 0.5 to 2.2 mmol/L and reflects tissue perfusion and oxygenation. Elevated lactate suggests anaerobic metabolism seen in shock or sepsis. Serial measurements guide resuscitation in critically ill patients.
What is the normal CD4+ T-cell count range in healthy adults?
1,500 - 2,500 cells/mm³
500 - 1,500 cells/mm³
50 - 200 cells/mm³
200 - 500 cells/mm³
Healthy adults typically have CD4+ T-cell counts between 500 and 1,500 cells/mm³, critical for immune function. Counts below 200 cells/mm³ define AIDS in HIV-positive individuals. Monitoring CD4 guides antiretroviral therapy.
What is the normal D-dimer level?
1,000 - 2,000 ng/mL
>2,000 ng/mL
<500 ng/mL fibrinogen-equivalent units
500 - 1,000 ng/mL
Normal D-dimer levels are below 500 ng/mL fibrinogen-equivalent units, indicating no significant clot breakdown. Elevated levels suggest thrombosis but are non-specific. D-dimer is used to rule out deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.
What is the normal plasma ammonia level?
50 - 100 µmol/L
5 - 10 µmol/L
15 - 45 µmol/L
100 - 150 µmol/L
Normal plasma ammonia levels range from 15 to 45 µmol/L. Elevated ammonia is seen in hepatic failure, Reye's syndrome, or urea cycle disorders and can lead to encephalopathy. Accurate sampling and rapid processing are essential.
What is the normal B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) level?
300 - 500 pg/mL
100 - 300 pg/mL
<100 pg/mL
>500 pg/mL
Normal BNP is less than 100 pg/mL, reflecting cardiac wall stress. Levels above 100 pg/mL suggest heart failure; higher values correlate with severity. BNP assists in diagnosis and management of heart failure.
What is the normal direct (conjugated) bilirubin level?
0.8 - 1.2 mg/dL
1.3 - 1.8 mg/dL
0.0 - 0.3 mg/dL
0.4 - 0.7 mg/dL
Normal direct bilirubin ranges from 0.0 to 0.3 mg/dL. Conjugated bilirubin rises in cholestatic or hepatocellular diseases. Measurement helps differentiate types of jaundice.
What is the normal complement C3 level?
180 - 250 mg/dL
50 - 90 mg/dL
90 - 180 mg/dL
10 - 50 mg/dL
Complement C3 normal levels range from 90 to 180 mg/dL. Low C3 may indicate complement consumption in immune complex diseases like lupus. Monitoring assists in autoimmune disease activity assessment.
What is the normal urine specific gravity?
1.000 - 1.005
1.050 - 1.070
1.005 - 1.030
1.030 - 1.050
Normal urine specific gravity ranges from 1.005 to 1.030, reflecting urine concentration ability. Values below indicate dilute urine or possible diabetes insipidus; above indicate dehydration or SIADH. It is a quick measure of renal concentrating function.
A patient's ABG shows pH 7.30, PaCO2 60 mmHg, and HCO3 - 30 mEq/L. What is the most likely interpretation?
Mixed respiratory acidosis and metabolic alkalosis
Acute respiratory acidosis
Metabolic acidosis with respiratory compensation
Chronic respiratory acidosis
A pH of 7.30 indicates acidemia. The PaCO2 of 60 mmHg suggests respiratory acidosis, while the elevated HCO3 - (30) is more than expected compensation, indicating a concurrent metabolic alkalosis. This mixed disorder must be recognized for proper management.
Which ceruloplasmin level would support a diagnosis of Wilson's disease?
Low ceruloplasmin
Normal ceruloplasmin
Elevated transferrin
High ceruloplasmin
Wilson's disease is characterized by impaired copper metabolism leading to low ceruloplasmin levels (<20 mg/dL) and copper accumulation in tissues. Measuring ceruloplasmin helps in early detection and treatment planning.
Which C-peptide and insulin pattern is consistent with exogenous insulin administration?
High insulin, low C-peptide
Low insulin, low C-peptide
Low insulin, high C-peptide
High insulin, high C-peptide
Exogenous insulin administration raises insulin levels but suppresses endogenous insulin and C-peptide production, resulting in high insulin with low C-peptide. This pattern helps differentiate between endogenous hyperinsulinemia and exogenous use.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Interpret Standard Lab Values -

    Apply principles of lab results nursing to accurately interpret standard lab values and identify deviations from normal ranges.

  2. Analyze Lab Test Questions -

    Critically evaluate lab test questions to determine the most appropriate clinical responses based on patient data.

  3. Recall Normal Lab Values NCLEX RN -

    Memorize key normal lab values NCLEX RN guidelines to confidently answer test items and support safe patient care.

  4. Utilize the Nurse Lab Values Chart -

    Navigate and employ a nurse lab values chart to quickly reference and compare patient results in real-world scenarios.

  5. Apply Nursing Lab Results in Practice -

    Convert quiz insights into practical skills to enhance your ability to interpret nursing lab results data in clinical settings.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Electrolyte Essentials -

    Review normal sodium (135 - 145 mEq/L), potassium (3.5 - 5.0 mEq/L), and calcium (8.5 - 10.2 mg/dL) values to ace lab results nursing. Remember "water follows salt; muscles need potassium" as a handy mnemonic linking serum shifts with fluid balance and neuromuscular function. Flagging deviations on your nurse lab values chart helps you breeze through lab test questions and chart analysis.

  2. Complete Blood Count Breakdown -

    Memorize WBC (5 - 10×10^3/µL), hemoglobin (12 - 16 g/dL in women, 14 - 18 g/dL in men), hematocrit (36 - 48% women, 42 - 52% men), and platelets (150 - 400×10^3/µL) for solid nursing lab results recalls. Use the mnemonic "We Have Happy Hearts" (WBC, Hgb, Hct, Platelets) to lock in order and normal ranges. Spotting trends in CBC components boosts your confidence on normal lab values NCLEX RN scenarios.

  3. ABG Interpretation with ROME -

    Know your arterial blood gas normals: pH 7.35 - 7.45, PaCO2 35 - 45 mm Hg, HCO3 - 22 - 26 mEq/L, PaO2 80 - 100 mm Hg. Apply the ROME mnemonic (Respiratory Opposite, Metabolic Equal) to quickly classify acidosis vs. alkalosis on lab test questions. Consistent ABG practice sharpens your nursing lab results interpretations during critical care drills.

  4. Renal Function Fundamentals -

    Keep BUN (7 - 20 mg/dL) and creatinine (0.6 - 1.3 mg/dL) at your fingertips and calculate the BUN/Cr ratio (normal ~10:1 - 20:1) for swift kidney assessment. A rising ratio often signals pre-renal causes, while parallel elevation hints at intrinsic renal issues. Mastering these values helps you tackle lab results nursing challenges with precision.

  5. Coagulation Study Quick-Check -

    Remember PT (11 - 13.5 sec), INR (0.8 - 1.1), and aPTT (30 - 40 sec) to evaluate clotting pathways confidently. A simple phrase "PIN a clot" (PT, INR, aPTT) helps you recall the right sequence. Interpreting coagulation labs rapidly is key for trauma and anticoagulation lab test questions.

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