Certified Medical Assistant Practice Exam

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Prepare for the Certified Medical Assistant Test. Study with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready to ace your exam!

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Which of the following blood markers is commonly measured to assess a patient's kidney function?

Triglyceride levels
Albumin concentration
Blood urea nitrogen
Thyroid stimulating hormone

The correct answer is: Blood urea nitrogen

The correct answer is blood urea nitrogen (BUN) because it is a critical indicator of kidney function. BUN levels reflect the amount of nitrogen in the blood that comes from urea, a waste product formed in the liver when protein is broken down. Under normal circumstances, the kidneys filter urea from the blood, and elevated levels of BUN can indicate that the kidneys are not functioning properly and are unable to adequately remove waste from the bloodstream. While albumin concentration can provide some information about kidney health, especially in relation to conditions such as nephrotic syndrome, it is primarily a marker for liver function and can also be influenced by other factors. Triglyceride levels are more relevant for assessing cardiovascular risk and metabolic conditions, rather than directly gauging kidney function. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is crucial for evaluating thyroid function, and while the thyroid can influence kidney function indirectly, it is not a direct measure of kidney performance.