Which laboratory finding is likely to be seen in patients experiencing uremia?

In patients experiencing uremia, high blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels are a significant laboratory finding. Uremia refers to a clinical syndrome that arises due to the accumulation of urea and other nitrogenous waste products in the blood, a condition most commonly associated with kidney dysfunction. As the kidneys become less effective at filtering waste from the bloodstream, substances like urea and creatinine accumulate, leading to elevated BUN levels.

In uremic patients, it is typical to see elevated BUN along with high creatinine levels, which reflect the kidneys' reduced ability to excrete waste products. Monitoring these levels provides essential information on kidney function and the severity of the patient's condition.

Other options indicate scenarios or findings that do not align with uremia. Low creatinine levels would suggest good kidney function, which is contrary to what is expected in uremia. Normal electrolyte levels would be uncommon, as kidney impairment often leads to electrolyte imbalances. Similarly, while an elevated white blood cell count can indicate infection or inflammation, it is not specific to uremia and does not directly reflect the waste accumulation seen in this condition. Thus, high BUN levels emerge as the most relevant and indicative laboratory finding in uremia.