NCLEX · Physiological Adaptation

A nurse is caring for a client with acute kidney injury. Which laboratory values would the nurse expect to be elevated?

Correct answer

Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine

  1. A Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine
  2. B White blood cells only
  3. C Hemoglobin and hematocrit
  4. D Calcium and sodium

Why this is the answer

In ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY (AKI) or kidney failure, the kidneys can't filter waste, so BUN (blood urea nitrogen) and CREATININE rise (azotemia) — these are the primary markers of decreased kidney function. NCLEX physiological/renal. CREATININE is the more specific indicator of kidney function. OTHER changes in kidney failure: HYPERKALEMIA (potassium retained — dangerous), metabolic acidosis, fluid overload, elevated phosphate, low calcium, and anemia (reduced erythropoietin).

Monitor: urine output (oliguria <400 mL/day or anuria), daily weights, electrolytes (especially potassium), fluid balance. Knowing that BUN and creatinine rise in kidney failure (and the associated hyperkalemia risk) is a heavily tested NCLEX renal concept.

Source: NCLEX Physiological — Acute Kidney Injury Labs

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About this topic: Physiological Adaptation

Physiological adaptation questions cover acute and chronic illness management, hemodynamics, medical emergencies, unexpected responses to therapy, and the priority nursing actions in each. This is one of 15 RN: Physiological Integrity questions on physiological adaptation, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

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