Azotemia is defined as an increase in which laboratory parameter?

Azotemia is defined as an increase in which laboratory parameter?

• A. BUN
• B. Creatinine
• C. Ammonia
• D. Uric acid

Answer: (A)

Azotemia means an buildup of nitrogenous waste in the blood, most classically reflected by an increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN). Urea is produced from protein breakdown and cleared by the kidneys; when kidney function falls or renal perfusion drops, urea accumulates, raising the BUN level. Ammonia is more related to liver function and urea cycle disorders, so it’s not the typical marker for azotemia. Uric acid relates to gout and other conditions, not the defining feature of azotemia. Creatinine is a key kidney function marker and can rise with azotemia, but the term azotemia specifically centers on elevated urea nitrogen.

Azotemia means an buildup of nitrogenous waste in the blood, most classically reflected by an increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN). Urea is produced from protein breakdown and cleared by the kidneys; when kidney function falls or renal perfusion drops, urea accumulates, raising the BUN level. Ammonia is more related to liver function and urea cycle disorders, so it’s not the typical marker for azotemia. Uric acid relates to gout and other conditions, not the defining feature of azotemia. Creatinine is a key kidney function marker and can rise with azotemia, but the term azotemia specifically centers on elevated urea nitrogen.