A patient with acute renal failure has passed the anuric/oliguric phase and is starting to produce urine. Her creatinine is returning to normal but she is losing serum electrolytes. Which of the following characteristics of this phase would explain the loss of electrolytes?

Explanation

• The diuretic phase, which occurs after anuresis, is characterized by an increase in GFR, urine output as high as 2-4 L/day, and inability to concentrate the urine.

• During the diuretic phase, the patient excretes large amounts of electrolytes and fluid.

• Increased glomerular permeability and damage to the basement membrane describes nephrotic syndrome.

• Decreased BUN would be a result of diuretic phase.

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