What does a high BUN level mean?

What does a high BUN level mean?

Generally, a high BUN level means your kidneys aren’t working well. But elevated BUN can also be due to: Dehydration, resulting from not drinking enough fluids or for other reasons. Urinary tract obstruction. Congestive heart failure or recent heart attack.

What does high BUN mean nursing?

A common reason for an increase in BUN is dehydration. The nurse should consider the BUN level, along with the patient’s vital signs, intake and output, weight, and skin turgor as potential indicators of dehydration.

What is normal BUN and creatinine?

BUN/Creatinine Ratio Normal Range The normal range for BUN/Creatinine ratio is anywhere between 5 – 20 mg/dL. BUN/Creatinine ratio increases with age, and with decreasing muscle mass [6].

What is normal BUN to creatinine ratio?

The ratio of BUN to creatinine is usually between 10:1 and 20:1. An increased ratio may be due to a condition that causes a decrease in the flow of blood to the kidneys, such as congestive heart failure or dehydration.

Which is more important BUN or creatinine?

The best, although indirect, measure of kidney function is indeed the creatinine, not the BUN. Blood, urea, nitrogen is used by nephrologists often to determine whether or not the patient is dehydrated. Generally speaking, the relationship between your creatinine and BUN is 1:10 relationship.

How do I reduce BUN?

Proper hydration is the most effective way to lower BUN levels. A low-protein diet can also help lower BUN levels. A medication wouldn’t be recommended to lower BUN levels….Lower BUN levels can indicate:

1. liver failure.
2. malnutrition.
3. severe lack of protein in the diet.
4. overhydration.

What do BUN and creatinine levels indicate?

Creatinine Test When your BUN levels are compared with your creatinine levels, it gives a fuller picture of what’s happening with your kidneys. This is known as the BUN/Creatinine ratio. Creatinine is a waste product from your muscles that is also filtered by your kidneys.