Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) Practice Exam

What does it mean if a cat is azotemic?

1. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) is increased

2. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) is decreased

3. Creatinine is high

4. Sodium-Potassium ratio is too low

The correct answer is: Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) is increased

Azotemia refers to an abnormal increase of nitrogenous waste products, particularly blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine, in the bloodstream due to impaired renal function. When a cat is described as azotemic, it indicates that there is a significant retention of these waste products, typically because the kidneys are not filtering them effectively. In the context of this question, choosing the option stating that blood urea nitrogen (BUN) is increased is appropriate because azotemia directly corresponds to elevated levels of BUN and creatinine. These measurements are commonly used to assess kidney function. An increase in BUN implies that the kidneys are not adequately excreting urea, which is a byproduct of protein metabolism. Therefore, the presence of elevated BUN is a clear indicator of azotemia, highlighting compromised kidney function. The other options do not accurately define azotemia. A decrease in BUN would typically indicate adequate kidney function or additional non-renal causes of decreased urea production. Significantly high creatinine levels would also denote azotemia; however, the specific question focuses on BUN. Lastly, a sodium-potassium ratio being too low is unrelated to azotemia and does not directly assess kidney function