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A nurse is caring for a patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Which of the following lab results would the nurse expect to be elevated in this patient?

  • A. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN).
  • B. Calcium.
  • C. Potassium.
  • D. Sodium.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Blood urea nitrogen (BUN). In CKD, the kidneys are unable to effectively filter waste products, leading to an increase in BUN levels. Elevated BUN indicates impaired kidney function. Calcium, potassium, and sodium levels may also be affected in CKD, but they are more likely to be imbalanced rather than consistently elevated. Calcium levels may be low due to impaired vitamin D activation, potassium levels may be high due to decreased excretion, and sodium levels can fluctuate based on fluid status. Therefore, while these lab values may be abnormal in CKD, BUN is the most consistently elevated marker of kidney dysfunction.