Week 9 - Lab Values - BUN/Creatinine

Question 1

What are the characteristics of Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)?

Answer 1

protein waste product and indication of kidneys or liver function

Question 2

Causes of a elevated BUN level?

Answer 2

↑ protein intake, dehydration (d/t lack of volume and impaired kidney excretion), infection (dehydration), excess protein breakdown, kidney disease

Question 3

Causes of a decreased BUN level?

Answer 3

liver failure, low protein diet, hypervolemia

Question 4

Nursing implications for BUN levels

Answer 4

assess protein levels, hydration status, WBC (infection), kidney/liver function

Question 5

What are the characteristics of Creatinine?

Answer 5

• byproduct of muscle catabolism
• waste product excreted by the kidneys ONLY
• sensitive indicator of kidney function

Question 6

Causes of elevated Creatinine levels?

Answer 6

kidney damage, (can get rid of Cr), diabetic nephropathy, acute myocardial infarction (muscle breakdown), high meat intake

Question 7

Nursing implications for Creatinine?

Answer 7

assess hydration, urine output, dark colored urine

Question 8

How does diabetic nephropathy cause elevated levels of Creatinine?

Answer 8

It’s a disease of kidneys d/t poorly managed diabetes, increases glucose levels causes damage to the blood vessels of the kidneys, causing poor perfusion of the kidneys

Question 9

What are normal values for BUN?

Answer 9

5 - 25 mg/dL

Question 10

What are normal values for Creatinine?

Answer 10

0.5 - 1.2 mg/dL