Complete blood count (CBC) NCLEX review questions for nursing students!
The complete blood count, also called a CBC, is a very common blood test. This test assesses a patient’s white blood cell, red blood cell, and platelet count. This quiz will test your knowledge on how to interpret the complete blood count and the normal level ranges. This blood test is routinely ordered just like the metabolic panel. If you are studying for NCLEX you will also want to check out labs to know for NCLEX review and quiz.
Don’t forget to watch the video lecture on the complete blood count (CBC) before taking the quiz. 
Complete Blood Count (CBC) NCLEX Questions
This quiz will test your knowledge on the complete blood count (CBC) in preparation for the NCLEX exam.
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Complete Blood Count NCLEX Questions
1. You’re assessing the patient’s complete blood count (CBC). Which lab result below demonstrates leukopenia?
A. WBC 7,000
B. Platelets 90,000
C. WBC 3,000
D. Platelets 500,000
The answer is C: WBC range is 5,000-10,000. Leukopenia is a DECREASED white blood count.
2. A patient had a complete blood count (CBC) with differential test ordered. You asses the white blood cell count results and know that this laboratory test will also assess the count of what other types of WBCs? Select all that apply:
A. Thrombocytes
B. Neutrophils
C. Lymphocytes
D. Eosinophils
E. Erythrocytes
F. Basophils
G. Monocytes
The answers are B, C, D, F, and G. Neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils, basophils, and monocytes are the 5 different types of white blood cells.
3. A patient’s complete blood count (CBC) results are back. Which result demonstrates polycythemia?
A. RBC 10 million
B. WBC 15,000
C. Platelets 600,000
D. RBC 2.5 million
The answer is A: Polycythemia is an increase in RBCs. Normal range for RBC 4.5-5.5 million.
4. __________ represents the average size of red blood cells on the CBC result.
A. MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume)
B. MCHC (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration)
C. MCH (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin)
D. RDW (Red Cell Distribution)
The answer is A: MCV (mean corpuscular volume) is the average size of the RBCs.
5. Your patient is a 39-year-old male. What is considered a normal Hemoglobin level for this patient?
A. 35%
B. 17 g/dL
C. 11 g/dL
D. 50%
The answer is B. Normal Hgb for men: 14-18 g/dL and women: 12-16 g/dL.
6. You’re assessing the red blood cell indices on the complete blood count (CBC). What part of the indices represents the concentration of Hgb on the RBC?
A. MCV
B. MCH
C. MCHC
D. RDW
The answer is C: MCHC (mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration)
7. A patient’s platelet count is 300,000. You would interpret this result as?
A. Normal
B. Abnormal: thrombocytopenia
C. Abnormal: thrombocytosis
The answer is A. A normal platelet count range is 150,000-400,000.
8. A patient’s complete blood count (CBC) with differential shows an elevated Eosinophil count at 10%. As the nurse you know the Eosinophils ____________?
A. fight viral infections
B. fight bacterial infections
C. play a role in allergic reactions and parasitic infections
D. play a role in clotting
The answer is C. Eosinophils play a role in allergic responses/reactions and parasitic infections.
9. Which result in the complete blood count (CBC) reflects the protein found on the red blood cell that helps carry oxygen throughout the body?
A. MCH
B. RDW
C. Hct
D. Hgb
The answer is D: Hgb (hemoglobin)
10. Which lab result on a patient’s record from the complete blood count (CBC) represents thrombocytopenia?
A. Platelets 275,000
B. WBC 3,000
C. WBC 15,000
D. Platelets 80,000
The answer is D. A normal platelet count range is 150,000-400,000. Thrombocytopenia means a LOW platelet count.
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