Which lab values are crucial to monitor in patients with renal failure?

Monitoring blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels is crucial in patients with renal failure because these values provide essential information about kidney function. When the kidneys are not functioning properly, they are unable to effectively filter waste products from the blood, leading to elevated levels of these substances.

BUN is a measure of the amount of nitrogen in the blood that comes from the waste product urea, which is produced when protein is broken down in the body. Creatinine is a waste product generated from muscle metabolism, and it is typically filtered out by the kidneys. Elevated BUN and creatinine levels indicate that the kidneys are not able to eliminate these wastes effectively, signifying a decline in renal function.

Monitoring these lab values is essential for assessing the severity of renal impairment, determining treatment plans, adjusting medications, and evaluating the response to treatment. In contrast, while complete blood counts, coagulation profiles, and liver function tests can provide important information about a patient's overall health, they do not specifically reflect kidney function and are therefore not the primary focus in managing renal failure.