Founding RN
Joined: 10 Jan 2003
Posts: 172
PostPosted: 21 May 2003 13:17 Post subject: What is Blood Urea Nitrogen?
Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)<
><
>BUN is the end waste product left over after your body metabolizes the proteins in the food you eat. Urea is formed by the liver and carried to the kidneys for excretion by the blood.<
>An elevated Bun is known as azotemia.<
><
>Lab Value:<
> Normal: 10-20 mg/dl<
> Renal: 70-90 mg/dl<
><
>Low urea level: Not eating properly or unable to keep food down.<
><
>High urea level: Very high protein intake, GI bleeding, infection or inadequate dialysis.<
><
>Causes:<
>Impaired renal funtion<
>Congestive heart failure<
>Dehydration<
>Shock<
>GI bleed<
>Heart attack<
>Stress<
>High protein intake<
>
