Manitoba Nephrology Nurse Practice Test

What are common markers of damage associated with CKD?

1. Normal blood pressure readings

2. Elevated white blood cell count in urine

3. Abnormalities in blood or urine tests

4. Increased potassium levels in the blood

The correct answer is: Abnormalities in blood or urine tests

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is characterized by a progressive loss of kidney function over time, leading to various systemic effects and alterations in laboratory markers. The presence of abnormalities in blood or urine tests is a key indicator of kidney damage and is a hallmark of CKD. In blood tests, markers such as elevated serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels indicate diminishing kidney function. A decline in the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which is often calculated from serum creatinine, reflects reducing renal performance. In urine tests, the presence of protein (proteinuria) and blood (hematuria) can signal damage to the kidney's filtration barrier. While other options may show certain changes associated with CKD, they do not specifically qualify as common markers of damage. For instance, normal blood pressure may occur despite CKD in its early stages, and an elevated white blood cell count in urine could indicate infection rather than CKD directly. Increased potassium levels can occur due to reduced renal function but are considered a consequence rather than a primary marker. Therefore, seeing abnormalities in laboratory tests is crucial for diagnosing and monitoring the progression of CKD.