Author Question: What laboratory values or other tests support Mrs. Caldwell's diagnosis of chronic kidney disease? ... (Read 61 times)

HudsonKB16 · **on:** Aug 21, 2018

What laboratory values or other tests support Mrs. Caldwell's diagnosis of chronic kidney disease? List all abnormal values and explain the likely cause for each abnormal value.

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

What is glomerulonephritis and how can it lead to kidney failure?

What will be an ideal response?

InfiniteSteez · **Reply #1 on:** Aug 21, 2018

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.