Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) Practice Test

Which term describes elevated levels of BUN and creatinine in the blood?

1. Azotemia

2. Uremia

3. Nephrotoxicity

4. Hyperkalemia

The correct answer is: Azotemia

Azotemia refers specifically to the accumulation of nitrogenous waste products, such as blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine, in the blood. This condition typically arises from renal dysfunction, where the kidneys are unable to effectively filter and excrete these waste products. Elevated levels of BUN and creatinine serve as important markers for assessing kidney health and function. Uremia, on the other hand, denotes a more severe stage of kidney impairment, where not only are there elevated levels of BUN and creatinine, but there are also clinical signs and symptoms associated with kidney failure, such as fatigue, nausea, and changes in mental status. Nephrotoxicity describes damage to the kidneys from toxic substances or drugs, which can lead to elevated BUN and creatinine but is not a term that specifically denotes the levels of these substances in the blood. Hyperkalemia is defined as elevated potassium levels in the blood, which can occur in renal failure but is not directly related to the levels of BUN and creatinine. Overall, the term azotemia accurately identifies elevated concentrations of BUN and creatinine without associating it with the broader clinical implications or other factors that may influence kidney function.