A 45-year-old female patient complains of nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and weakness. She admits to a history of heroin abuse for 11 years. She quit using the drug after rehabilitation last year and denies current use of the drug. Habits include use of alcohol (four to five drinks daily) and tobacco use of 60-pack years. On physical examination, she is afebrile, has a blood pressure of 148/98, pulse 78 beat/min, and respirations 16 breaths/min. The patient has periorbital edema. Lungs are clear to auscultation. Abdomen is nontender and distended with mild hepatomegaly. No neurological deficits. Laboratory testing reveals Hgb 10, BUN 60, potassium 6.1, and serum creatinine 2.9 mg/dL. These findings are characteristic of:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's symptoms and laboratory findings are characteristic of chronic renal failure. The elevated BUN (blood urea nitrogen) and serum creatinine levels indicate impaired kidney function, which is consistent with chronic renal failure. The presence of periorbital edema and the high potassium level (hyperkalemia) further support this diagnosis.

A 45-Year-Old Female Patient Complains of Nausea, Vomiting, Fatigue, and Weakness