🏥 USMLE Exam Prep

A 58-year-old male develops acute kidney injury after a diarrheal illness. His BUN is 60 mg/dL, creatinine is 3.5 mg/dL. Urine sodium is 8 mEq/L and fractional excretion of sodium (FENa) is 0.4%. Which of the following is the most likely cause of his AKI?

A Acute tubular necrosis (ATN).
B Prerenal azotemia.
C Acute interstitial nephritis (AIN).
D Postrenal obstruction.

✓ Correct Answer: Option B

Prerenal azotemia, caused by decreased renal perfusion (e.g., from diarrheal illness), is characterized by the kidney's attempt to conserve sodium and water. This results in a low urine sodium (<20 mEq/L) and a fractional excretion of sodium (FENa) typically less than 1%.

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