BUN levels primarily reflect which body function?

BUN levels primarily reflect which body function?

• A. Liver function
• B. Lung function
• C. Kidney function
• D. Pancreatic function

Answer: (C)

BUN levels mainly reflect how well the kidneys clear waste from the blood. Urea is made in the liver and travels in the blood to be filtered and excreted by the kidneys; when kidney function declines, urea accumulates, raising BUN. It can also rise with dehydration or high protein breakdown, but a lower BUN can occur with severe liver disease that reduces urea production. The other organs mentioned aren’t the primary determinant of BUN, since this measure centers on renal excretion rather than lung or pancreatic function.

BUN levels mainly reflect how well the kidneys clear waste from the blood. Urea is made in the liver and travels in the blood to be filtered and excreted by the kidneys; when kidney function declines, urea accumulates, raising BUN. It can also rise with dehydration or high protein breakdown, but a lower BUN can occur with severe liver disease that reduces urea production. The other organs mentioned aren’t the primary determinant of BUN, since this measure centers on renal excretion rather than lung or pancreatic function.