A nurse reviews laboratory results for a client who was admitted for a myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock 2 days ago. Which laboratory test result should the nurse expect to find?
a. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) of 52 mg/dL
b. Creatinine of 2.3 mg/dL
c. BUN of 10 mg/dL
d. BUN/creatinine ratio of 8:1
ANS: A
Shock leads to decreased renal perfusion. An elevated BUN accompanies this condition. The creatinine should be normal because no kidney damage occurred. A low BUN signifies overhydration, malnutrition, or liver damage. A low BUN/creatinine ratio indicates fluid volume excess or acute renal tubular acidosis.
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