Final answer:
The presence of protein, red blood cells, and elevated levels of creatinine and urea in the glomerular filtrate are indicators of renal dysfunction, suggesting problems like damaged glomeruli or decreased glomerular filtration rate.
Step-by-step explanation:
Substances in the glomerular filtrate that would indicate a problem with renal function are proteins, red blood cells, and to a lesser extent, elevated levels of urea and creatinine. Protein (especially albumin) and red blood cells are not typically found in the filtrate because they are too large to pass through the filtration membrane of healthy glomeruli. The detection of protein in the urine, a condition known as proteinuria, suggests that the glomeruli are damaged and leaking protein. Similarly, the presence of red blood cells in the urine, hematuria, often indicates damage to the glomeruli or other parts of the urinary tract.
Elevated blood creatinine levels are a marker of reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and worsening kidney function. It is typically measured alongside other markers like blood urea nitrogen (BUN) to assess kidney function. Increases in these substances generally indicate an impairment in the kidney's ability to filter and excrete waste properly.