Final answer:
The normal range for blood urea nitrogen (BUN) in a patient's blood chemistry is 10-20 mg/dL. This range indicates proper kidney function—the organ responsible for filtering this waste product from the blood. BUN levels outside of this range could signal kidney issues or liver dysfunction.
Step-by-step explanation:
In reviewing a patient's blood chemistry, the normal range for blood urea nitrogen (BUN) is typically 10-20 mg/dL. This range is a crucial indicator of renal, or kidney, function. A BUN value within this range suggests that the kidneys are effectively filtering blood and maintaining a stable level of urea, a key waste product that is synthesized in the liver and excreted in urine. Any significant deviation from this range may be a sign of kidney dysfunction or other health issues that affect renal performance. For example, elevated BUN levels could point to renal, pre-renal, or post-renal uremia, which indicates an accumulation of urea due to diminished kidney function or other related conditions. On the other hand, lower levels of BUN might suggest liver disorders or dysfunction, highlighting the interconnected aspects of patient's blood chemistry and organ system health.