What laboratory values or other tests support Mrs. Caldwell's ...

[HudsonKB16]

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]

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.

[HudsonKB16]

Excellent

[bbburns21]

TYSM