Which laboratory finding is typical of renal failure?

Which laboratory finding is typical of renal failure?

• A. Creatinine And BUN Increase
• B. Creatinine And BUN Decrease
• C. Sodium Increases
• D. Potassium Increases

Answer: (A)

When the kidneys fail to filter waste, nitrogenous products that are normally cleared begin to accumulate in the blood. Creatinine is a breakdown product from muscle metabolism that the kidneys usually excrete, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) comes from protein metabolism. With reduced glomerular filtration, both of these compounds rise, making elevated creatinine and BUN the classic laboratory pattern of renal failure. Potassium can also rise because it’s not excreted effectively, and sodium balance may vary with fluid status, but the most consistent and characteristic finding is increased creatinine and BUN.

When the kidneys fail to filter waste, nitrogenous products that are normally cleared begin to accumulate in the blood. Creatinine is a breakdown product from muscle metabolism that the kidneys usually excrete, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) comes from protein metabolism. With reduced glomerular filtration, both of these compounds rise, making elevated creatinine and BUN the classic laboratory pattern of renal failure. Potassium can also rise because it’s not excreted effectively, and sodium balance may vary with fluid status, but the most consistent and characteristic finding is increased creatinine and BUN.