A nurse is admitting a client who is dehydrated. Which BUN level should the nurse expect the client to have upon admission? (Normal BUN 10-20)

Choice A reason: A BUN level of 165 mg/dL is exceedingly high and typically indicates severe renal dysfunction or failure rather than dehydration alone. While BUN levels can increase due to dehydration, they do not usually reach such extreme levels unless there is significant underlying kidney pathology. Choice B reason: A BUN level of 35 mg/dL is elevated and could be indicative of dehydration or other conditions affecting renal function. However, it is less likely to be a common finding solely due to dehydration compared to other levels provided. Choice C reason: A BUN level of 10 mg/dL falls within the normal range (10-20 mg/dL). For a client who is dehydrated, one would expect the BUN to be elevated rather than within the normal range. Therefore, a normal BUN level does not align with the clinical presentation of dehydration. Choice D reason: A BUN level of 31 mg/dL is elevated and consistent with the expected findings in a dehydrated client. Dehydration can lead to increased BUN levels due to decreased renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate, resulting in higher blood urea nitrogen levels.