Normal glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is:

Appeared in: KPSC Staff Nurse - 2021

Explanation

The normal Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) in a healthy young adult is approximately 125 ml/min/1.73 m².
GFR is the best overall measure of kidney function, representing the volume of fluid filtered from the blood by the glomeruli per minute.
This rate signifies that the kidneys filter about 180 liters of plasma daily, effectively removing waste products and maintaining homeostasis.
Values decline naturally with age, but 125 ml/min/1.73 m² is the standard reference for normal function in young adults.

Option A: A GFR of 30 ml/min/1.73 m² is not normal. It indicates a severe decrease in kidney function, consistent with Stage 4 Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).
Option B: A GFR of 60 ml/min/1.73 m² is not considered normal. It is the clinical threshold used to define Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). A GFR persistently below this level indicates that kidney function is significantly impaired.
Option C: This option is identical to the previous one. A GFR of 60 ml/min/1.73 m² is the threshold for diagnosing Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and represents a significant loss of kidney function, not a normal value.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Normal Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) value as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses frequently monitor lab results, including estimated GFR (eGFR), to assess kidney function, especially in patients with hypertension, diabetes, or those receiving nephrotoxic medications.
A declining GFR is a critical finding that requires prompt notification to the healthcare provider, as it may necessitate medication dosage adjustments (e.g., for antibiotics or anticoagulants) or further diagnostic workup.
Patient education is key. Nurses explain the importance of GFR monitoring and lifestyle modifications (e.g., diet, blood pressure control) to patients at risk for or diagnosed with CKD.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question: it asks for the 'normal' value of the Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR).
Scan the options provided. They are all specific numerical values for GFR.
Recall the standard physiological value for a normal GFR in a healthy adult. The benchmark value taught is approximately 120-125 ml/min/1.73 m².
Compare this recalled value to the given options. The value '125 ml/min/1.73 m²' is a direct match.
To confirm, mentally associate the other values with disease states. A GFR below 60 ml/min/1.73 m² indicates chronic kidney disease, and a value around 30 ml/min/1.73 m² indicates severe disease. This reinforces that they are incorrect distractors for a 'normal' value.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Physiology Guyton 4SAE Part 2B p. 19-21

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 2 p. 291-293

Practise the full KPSC Staff Nurse - 2021

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.