Davis's Comprehensive Manual of
Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests With
Nursing Implications
by Anne M. Van Leeuwen (Author), Mickey L. Bladh (Author)
11th Edition
,
,Test Bank: Davis's Comprehensive Manual of Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests
With Nursing Implications, 11th Edition (Van Leeuwen, 2025)
Topics 1–11
TOPIC 1: INTRODUCTION TO LABORATORY AND DIAGNOSTIC TESTING
Multiple Choice Questions
1. The nurse is reviewing laboratory results for a patient. Which of the following best describes the
purpose of a reference range?
A) It identifies the exact value expected for all patients
B) It represents the range of values found in healthy individuals of a similar demographic
C) It indicates the value at which treatment must be initiated
D) It is the same for all age groups and genders
Answer: B
Rationale: Reference ranges (also called normal values) represent the range of results found in a defined
population of healthy individuals. They vary by age, gender, and sometimes ethnicity. They are not
absolute treatment thresholds.
2. A nurse is preparing a patient for a diagnostic procedure. Which action is the PRIORITY before any
laboratory or diagnostic test?
A) Documenting the test in the medical record
B) Verifying the health care provider's order and proper patient identification
C) Explaining the billing process to the patient
D) Arranging for transportation after the test
Answer: B
Rationale: Patient safety is the priority. Verifying the provider's order and correct patient identification
(using at least two identifiers) is essential to prevent errors. While documentation and patient education
are important, verification and identification come first.
3. Which of the following is a preanalytical factor that can affect laboratory test results?
A) Instrument calibration in the laboratory
B) Reagent expiration in the analyzer
C) Incorrect specimen collection technique
D) Computer error in result reporting
Answer: C
Rationale: Preanalytical factors include anything that occurs before the specimen reaches the analyzer—
, patient preparation, collection technique, specimen handling, and transport. Instrument calibration and
reagent issues are analytical factors. Reporting errors are postanalytical factors.
4. The nurse understands that "critical values" (panic values) for laboratory tests require which
nursing action?
A) Documenting the result and rechecking it at the next scheduled lab draw
B) Immediately notifying the health care provider
C) Repeating the test the following morning
D) Placing the results in the patient's chart for physician review during rounds
Answer: B
Rationale: Critical values indicate life-threatening conditions that require immediate notification of the
health care provider so that timely intervention can be initiated. Delaying notification can result in
patient harm or death.
5. A patient asks the nurse, "Why do I have to fast before my blood test?" The nurse's best response
is:
A) "Fasting is required for all blood tests to ensure accuracy."
B) "Eating before certain tests can alter the levels of substances being measured, leading to inaccurate
results."
C) "It is hospital policy and must be followed for every blood draw."
D) "Fasting prevents you from feeling nauseous during the blood draw."
Answer: B
Rationale: Fasting is required for specific tests (e.g., fasting glucose, lipid panel) because food intake can
alter the levels of certain analytes. Not all tests require fasting. This response provides accurate, patient-
centered education.
6. Which of the following is an example of a point-of-care test (POCT)?
A) Bone marrow biopsy
B) Bedside glucose monitoring
C) CT scan of the abdomen
D) 24-hour urine collection
Answer: B
Rationale: Point-of-care testing (POCT) is performed at or near the site of patient care, such as bedside
glucose monitoring. It provides rapid results for immediate clinical decision-making.
7. The nurse is collecting a specimen from a patient. Which action demonstrates proper chain of
custody?
A) Allowing the patient to deliver the specimen to the lab
Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests With
Nursing Implications
by Anne M. Van Leeuwen (Author), Mickey L. Bladh (Author)
11th Edition
,
,Test Bank: Davis's Comprehensive Manual of Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests
With Nursing Implications, 11th Edition (Van Leeuwen, 2025)
Topics 1–11
TOPIC 1: INTRODUCTION TO LABORATORY AND DIAGNOSTIC TESTING
Multiple Choice Questions
1. The nurse is reviewing laboratory results for a patient. Which of the following best describes the
purpose of a reference range?
A) It identifies the exact value expected for all patients
B) It represents the range of values found in healthy individuals of a similar demographic
C) It indicates the value at which treatment must be initiated
D) It is the same for all age groups and genders
Answer: B
Rationale: Reference ranges (also called normal values) represent the range of results found in a defined
population of healthy individuals. They vary by age, gender, and sometimes ethnicity. They are not
absolute treatment thresholds.
2. A nurse is preparing a patient for a diagnostic procedure. Which action is the PRIORITY before any
laboratory or diagnostic test?
A) Documenting the test in the medical record
B) Verifying the health care provider's order and proper patient identification
C) Explaining the billing process to the patient
D) Arranging for transportation after the test
Answer: B
Rationale: Patient safety is the priority. Verifying the provider's order and correct patient identification
(using at least two identifiers) is essential to prevent errors. While documentation and patient education
are important, verification and identification come first.
3. Which of the following is a preanalytical factor that can affect laboratory test results?
A) Instrument calibration in the laboratory
B) Reagent expiration in the analyzer
C) Incorrect specimen collection technique
D) Computer error in result reporting
Answer: C
Rationale: Preanalytical factors include anything that occurs before the specimen reaches the analyzer—
, patient preparation, collection technique, specimen handling, and transport. Instrument calibration and
reagent issues are analytical factors. Reporting errors are postanalytical factors.
4. The nurse understands that "critical values" (panic values) for laboratory tests require which
nursing action?
A) Documenting the result and rechecking it at the next scheduled lab draw
B) Immediately notifying the health care provider
C) Repeating the test the following morning
D) Placing the results in the patient's chart for physician review during rounds
Answer: B
Rationale: Critical values indicate life-threatening conditions that require immediate notification of the
health care provider so that timely intervention can be initiated. Delaying notification can result in
patient harm or death.
5. A patient asks the nurse, "Why do I have to fast before my blood test?" The nurse's best response
is:
A) "Fasting is required for all blood tests to ensure accuracy."
B) "Eating before certain tests can alter the levels of substances being measured, leading to inaccurate
results."
C) "It is hospital policy and must be followed for every blood draw."
D) "Fasting prevents you from feeling nauseous during the blood draw."
Answer: B
Rationale: Fasting is required for specific tests (e.g., fasting glucose, lipid panel) because food intake can
alter the levels of certain analytes. Not all tests require fasting. This response provides accurate, patient-
centered education.
6. Which of the following is an example of a point-of-care test (POCT)?
A) Bone marrow biopsy
B) Bedside glucose monitoring
C) CT scan of the abdomen
D) 24-hour urine collection
Answer: B
Rationale: Point-of-care testing (POCT) is performed at or near the site of patient care, such as bedside
glucose monitoring. It provides rapid results for immediate clinical decision-making.
7. The nurse is collecting a specimen from a patient. Which action demonstrates proper chain of
custody?
A) Allowing the patient to deliver the specimen to the lab
