The nurse is caring for a patient who is admitted with pneumonia. The nurse notes a blood urea nitrogen (BUN) of 32 mg/dL and creatinine of 0.8 mg/dL. What is the most probable explanation for this finding?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

An elevated BUN level and normal creatinine level can indicate dehydration. During dehydration, the body has less water to excrete waste products, leading to an increase in BUN. Pneumonia can cause fever and tachypnea resulting in an increased metabolic demand and fluid loss, leading to dehydration. Septicemia can also cause dehydration, but in this scenario, the creatinine level would also be elevated due to kidney damage. Malnutrition would not cause an elevated BUN level.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient Who Is Admitted