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The patient has elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine levels with a normal BUN/creatinine ratio. These levels most likely indicate

  • A. increased nitrogen intake.
  • B. acute kidney injury, such as acute tubular necrosis (ATN).
  • C. hypovolemia.
  • D. fluid resuscitation.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The elevated BUN and serum creatinine levels with a normal BUN/creatinine ratio suggest kidney dysfunction. This pattern is commonly seen in acute kidney injury, like acute tubular necrosis (ATN), where the kidneys are unable to properly filter waste products. Other choices (A) increased nitrogen intake and (C) hypovolemia would not cause the specific pattern of elevated BUN and creatinine levels with a normal ratio. (D) Fluid resuscitation would actually aim to correct hypovolemia and would not directly affect the BUN and creatinine levels.