Certified Dialysis Nurse Practice Test 2025 – All-in-One Resource for Exam Success!

Elevated creatinine levels are a common indicator of chronic renal failure in blood chemistry because creatinine is a waste product produced by muscle metabolism and is normally excreted by the kidneys. When kidney function declines, as in chronic renal failure, the kidneys become less effective at filtering out creatinine from the blood, leading to increased serum creatinine levels. Monitoring creatinine is a key part of assessing renal function, as rising creatinine levels can indicate worsening kidney disease or failure.

In contrast, low bicarbonate levels can indicate metabolic acidosis, which may occur in advanced renal failure, but is not as direct an indicator of renal function as creatinine. Low creatinine levels generally suggest normal kidney function or may occur in conditions such as reduced muscle mass. Normal BUN (blood urea nitrogen) levels do not provide sufficient information about kidney function, as BUN can be influenced by factors unrelated to renal function, such as protein intake and hydration status. Thus, elevated creatinine is a more reliable marker of chronic renal failure.