Which clinical measurement is reflected by the term "BUN"?

The term "BUN" stands for Blood Urea Nitrogen, which is a clinical measurement used to assess kidney function. Urea is a byproduct of protein metabolism that is normally excreted by the kidneys. Measuring the level of urea nitrogen in the blood helps to determine how well the kidneys are filtering waste from the bloodstream. Elevated levels can indicate impaired kidney function, dehydration, or increased protein catabolism, while low levels may suggest liver disease or malnutrition. This test is commonly used in conjunction with other assessments to provide a comprehensive view of a patient’s renal health.