What lab values are expected in a patient with end stage renal disease on hemodialysis?

Prepare for the Prophecy Health Medical Surgical RN Exam. Utilize flashcards and multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations. Get set to excel in your exam!

In end-stage renal disease (ESRD), particularly in patients undergoing hemodialysis, lab values such as blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels typically reflect significantly impaired kidney function. The kidneys are responsible for filtering waste products, including urea and creatinine, from the blood.

In patients with ESRD on hemodialysis, BUN and creatinine levels are often markedly elevated due to the accumulation of these waste products when the kidneys can no longer perform their filtration functions effectively. The expected lab values in such patients are significantly higher than those seen in individuals with normal kidney function.

The chosen answer reflects elevated BUN and creatinine levels that are consistent with the state of ESRD. Specifically, a BUN of 32 and a creatinine level of 8.32 indicate that the patient's kidney function is severely compromised, and they are likely retaining high levels of these waste products in the bloodstream.

In contrast, other options present values that do not align with the severity associated with end-stage renal disease. For instance, values such as a BUN of 10 or a creatinine of 1.2 suggest normal kidney function, while lower levels of BUN and creatinine imply that the kidneys are still filtering

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