Answer to Question 1
Sodium (low): Edema; hemodilution
PO4 (high): Retention and release of P from bone breakdown
GFR (low): Reflection of decreasing renal function
PT/INR (high): Reflection of anticoagulants given for dialysis
BUN (high): Retention
Creatinine (high): Retention
Calcium (low): Decreased active vitamin D/edema
Anion gap (low): Acidosis and/or electrolyte imbalance
Total protein, albumin (low): Value most likely skewed by edema
Hemoglobin, hematocrit, MCV, MCH, MCHC, RBC (low): anemia secondary to renal failure/decreased erythropoietin
Transferrin (low): decreased due to nephropathy
Ferritin (low): Edema/hemodilution
Answer to Question 2
Glomerulonephritis is inflammation of the nephrons (specifically the glomerular capillary loops). There can be multiple causes including infections such as Streptococcus; complications from chronic diseases such as lupus, diabetes, or high blood pressure; or vasculitis. The loss of nephron function results in an inability to filter blood appropriately, leading to azotemia.