Prioritizing Laboratory Values in CKD and AKI

A 68-year-old male patient with a history of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is being monitored for his renal function. Recent laboratory values indicate a serum creatinine level of 3.8 mg/dL, a blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level of 50 mg/dL, and a potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L. The healthcare provider orders the following laboratory tests to confirm the diagnosis of possible acute kidney injury (AKI) and assess the risk of hyperkalemia. Which laboratory value should the nurse prioritize when considering the patient’s current clinical status related to reduction of risk potential?