Question

A nurse is reviewing laboratory values for a client who has systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Which of the following values should give the nurse the best indication of the client's renal function?

a) Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
b) Creatinine
c) Urinalysis
d) Serum electrolytes

Answer 1

The most indicative laboratory values for renal function in a client with SLE are BUN and creatinine, with creatinine often considered the most reliable single test for kidney function. Option a is correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

To assess the renal function of a client with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the most indicative laboratory values are blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine. BUN provides an estimate of the urea in the blood and is an indicator of kidney function, with normal values ranging between 8-20 mg/dl.

Creatinine levels, which should be 0.8-1.2 mg/dl for males and 0.6-0.9 mg/dl for females, are also critical as they reflect the filtration capacity of the kidneys. A urinalysis can provide additional information by checking for the presence of cellular elements, bacteria, and proteins, such as the Bence Jones protein which is indicative of multiple myeloma.

However, for a direct measure of renal function, creatinine is often considered the most reliable single test, as it is less likely to be affected by factors other than kidney function.