Which of the following laboratory values is the best indicator of kidney function?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Neither the RBC count nor the serum bilirubin would provide information about kidney function. BUN and creatinine are nonprotein nitrogenous waste products that are excreted by the kidneys. When kidney function is impaired, the ability to clear these waste products is impaired and serum levels of both increase. Evaluating creatinine levels is a more specific indicator of kidney function because an elevated level is rarely seen with other conditions. Although a BUN level may be used to check kidney function, it is a less accurate indicator because it can increase for reasons other than impaired kidney function.

Which of the Following Laboratory Values Is the Best Indicator