BUN
from class:
Nutrition for Nurses
Definition
BUN, or Blood Urea Nitrogen, is a measurement of the amount of nitrogen in the blood that comes from urea, a waste product formed by the liver. It is used to assess kidney function and hydration status.
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5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
- BUN levels can be influenced by dietary protein intake, hydration status, and renal function.
- Normal BUN levels typically range from 7 to 20 mg/dL.
- Elevated BUN levels may indicate impaired kidney function, dehydration, or high protein intake.
- Low BUN levels can be seen in conditions such as liver disease or malnutrition.
- Monitoring BUN is crucial in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) to assess the progression of renal impairment.
Review Questions
- What factors can influence BUN levels in the blood?
- Why might a patient with chronic kidney disease have an elevated BUN level?
- How does dietary protein intake affect BUN levels?
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