What lab data finding is typically associated with dehydration in a patient?

Elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels are typically associated with dehydration. When a patient is dehydrated, the concentration of urea in the blood increases because there is less fluid available to dilute the substances in the bloodstream. As the body loses fluids, the kidneys conserve water, which can lead to higher levels of urea being retained. This is particularly important in assessing kidney function and hydration status.

While other lab findings may also be present in dehydration scenarios, such as changes in potassium levels, elevated BUN is a more direct indicator of decreased fluid volume and is often used clinically to assess a patient's hydration status.