In renal impairment indicated by elevated creatinine, which accompanying laboratory value is commonly elevated?

In renal impairment indicated by elevated creatinine, which accompanying laboratory value is commonly elevated?

• A. BUN
• B. Albumin
• C. Creatine kinase
• D. Sodium

Answer: (A)

Kidney function decline raises waste products in the blood, including both creatinine and urea (measured as BUN). When the glomerular filtration rate falls, urea is not cleared efficiently, so its blood level increases alongside creatinine. Urea production by the liver continues, and reduced clearance leads to elevated BUN, making it a commonly elevated companion marker in renal impairment. Albumin isn’t typically elevated and may even decrease in nephrotic conditions; creatine kinase rises with muscle injury rather than kidney clearance; sodium levels can vary with hydration and are not reliably elevated just from impaired kidney function.

Kidney function decline raises waste products in the blood, including both creatinine and urea (measured as BUN). When the glomerular filtration rate falls, urea is not cleared efficiently, so its blood level increases alongside creatinine. Urea production by the liver continues, and reduced clearance leads to elevated BUN, making it a commonly elevated companion marker in renal impairment. Albumin isn’t typically elevated and may even decrease in nephrotic conditions; creatine kinase rises with muscle injury rather than kidney clearance; sodium levels can vary with hydration and are not reliably elevated just from impaired kidney function.