Description

Overview

1. Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
   1. Normal Value Range
   2. Pathophysiology
   3. Special Considerations
   4. Elevated Values
   5. Decreased Values

Nursing Points

General

1. Normal value range
   1. 7-20 mg/dL
2. Pathophysiology
   1. Protein broken into amino acids -> Ammonia
   2. Ammonia converted to urea
   3. Urea excreted via kidneys
3. Special considerations
   1. Green top tube
   2. Submitted in multiple panels
      1. Chem 7/Chem 10
      2. CMP
      3. Renal panel
4. Elevated values
   1. Renal failure
   2. Congestive heart failure
   3. Myocardial infarction
   4. Dehydration
   5. Urinary obstruction
   6. Diabetes
5. Decreased values
   1. Liver failure
   2. Overhydration
   3. Inadequate protein intake
      1. Malnutrition
   4. Pregnancy

Assessment

1. Assess patient's nutritional status
2. Assess urine output
3. Find primary cause for renal impairment (pre-/intra-/post-renal)

Therapeutic Management

1. Treat cause of renal insufficiency
   1. Dialysis vs medication

Nursing Concepts

1. Lab Values
2. Elimination