Serum Creatinine:

Interpretation:

Low Creatinine: Can be caused by reduced muscle mass, malnutrition, or certain liver diseases.
High Creatinine: Indicates reduced kidney function or kidney disease, as the kidneys are not able to efficiently remove creatinine from the blood. Levels can also be elevated in conditions like dehydration, urinary obstruction, or rhabdomyolysis.

Serum Urea (Blood Urea Nitrogen - BUN):

Interpretation:

Low BUN: Can be caused by liver disease, malnutrition, or excessive fluid intake (overhydration).
High BUN: Indicates kidney dysfunction, as the kidneys are unable to efficiently excrete urea. It can also be elevated in dehydration, high-protein diets, or gastrointestinal bleeding.

Serum Electrolytes:

Interpretation:

Sodium (Na+):
- Low Sodium (Hyponatremia): Can result from conditions like heart failure, kidney disease, or excessive fluid intake. Symptoms include nausea, confusion, and fatigue.
- High Sodium (Hypernatremia): Often caused by dehydration, it can lead to neurological symptoms such as confusion, muscle twitching, and seizures.
Potassium (K+):
- Low Potassium (Hypokalemia): Can occur due to diuretic use, excessive vomiting, or diarrhea. It can lead to muscle weakness, cramps, or irregular heartbeats.
- High Potassium (Hyperkalemia): Usually caused by kidney dysfunction, as the kidneys are responsible for excreting potassium. It can lead to dangerous cardiac arrhythmias if untreated.
Chloride (Cl-):
- Low Chloride (Hypochloremia): Seen in cases of vomiting or conditions like metabolic alkalosis.
- High Chloride (Hyperchloremia): Often associated with dehydration or certain types of metabolic acidosis.
Bicarbonate (HCO3-):
- Low Bicarbonate (Acidosis): Indicates metabolic acidosis, which can occur in kidney failure.
- High Bicarbonate (Alkalosis): Indicates metabolic alkalosis, potentially caused by prolonged vomiting or diuretic use.