Progressive Care Nursing Certification (PCCN) Practice Exam

Which assessments are included in a renal evaluation?

1. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)

2. Creatinine

3. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR)

4. All of the above

The correct answer is: All of the above

A comprehensive renal evaluation includes several key assessments to determine kidney function and health. Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) is a common test that measures the amount of nitrogen in the blood that comes from the waste product urea. Elevated BUN levels may indicate decreased kidney function, hydration status, or the presence of other medical conditions. Creatinine is another critical marker assessed during a renal evaluation. It is a waste product produced from normal muscle metabolism, and its levels in the blood give insights into the kidneys' ability to filter waste. High creatinine levels can suggest impaired kidney function, necessitating further investigation. Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) is a crucial measure that estimates how well the kidneys filter blood, evaluating kidney function on a more precise level. A decreased GFR indicates potential kidney damage or disease and is often used in conjunction with BUN and creatinine levels to provide a comprehensive assessment of renal health. Because each of these assessments plays a vital role in evaluating kidney function, including all of them provides a thorough understanding of a person's renal status, making "all of the above" the most accurate choice.