U&Es Flashcards
When might you order a U&Es blood test?
assess kidney function
check electrolytes levels
What substances are tested in U&Es?
sodium potassium creatinine urea calcium albumin
What is the reference range of sodium?
135-145 mmol/L
What can cause raised sodium in a U&Es blood test?
dehydration
rarely - salt intake
Cushing’s
diabetes insipidus
What can cause lowered sodium levels in a U&Es blood test?
Sodium loss (D&V, thiazide diuretics, excessive sweating, kidney disease, Addison's disease) Excessive fluid (drinking too much, heart failure, cirrhosis, nephrotic syndrome) Excessive ADH production
What is the reference range of potassium?
3.7-5.2
What can cause raised potassium in a U&Es blood test?
kidney disease addison's disease tissue injury infection infection diabetes too much IV potassium drugs: NSAIDs, beta-blockers, ACEi, potassium-sparing diuretics
What can cause lowered potassium levels in a U&Es blood test?
Potassium loss (D&V, insulin use, non-potassium sparing diuretics)
What can cause raised creatinine levels in a U&Es blood test?
Kidney problems (glomerulonephritis, pyelonephritis, AKI)
Dehydration
shock
What can cause lowered creatinine levels in a U&Es blood test?
not usually lowered
not usually a problem if they are
What is the reference range of urea in U&Es bloods?
2.5-7.9 mmol/L
What causes raised urea in a U&Es blood test?
Kidney problems (glomerulonephritis, pyelonephritis, AKI)
Dehydration
shock
What can cause lowered creatinine levels in a U&Es blood test?
not usually lowered
not usually a problem if they are
What can cause raised calcium levels in a U&Es blood test?
Hyperparathyroidism cancer (bony mets release calcium) hyperthyroidism sarcoidosis TB kidney transplant
What can cause lowered calcium levels in a U&Es blood test?
hypoparathyroidism
low vit D
CKD
alcoholism