What does the abbreviation BUN stand for regarding kidney function?

The abbreviation BUN stands for Blood Urea Nitrogen, which is a key laboratory test used to assess kidney function. It measures the amount of nitrogen in your blood that comes from the waste product urea, which is generated from the breakdown of proteins. The kidneys filter urea from the blood and excrete it through urine. Therefore, monitoring BUN levels can provide valuable insights into how well the kidneys are functioning.

Elevated BUN levels may indicate impaired kidney function, dehydration, or excessive protein intake, while low levels may suggest malnutrition or liver disease. This test is commonly included in metabolic panels during routine health assessments and is crucial for healthcare providers to plan appropriate interventions and monitor patient health.

The other choices do not pertain to the functioning and assessment of the kidneys, as Blood Urea Normalization is not a recognized medical term, Buccal Uptake Number does not exist in the context of kidney function, and Board of Nursing is unrelated to laboratory values or kidney assessments.