Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

All of the following are common signs and symptoms of chronic renal failure, EXCEPT:

1. Fatigue

2. Hematuria

3. Edema

4. Elevated blood pressure

The correct answer is: Hematuria

Chronic renal failure, also known as chronic kidney disease, presents with a variety of signs and symptoms that reflect the gradual loss of kidney function over time. Fatigue, edema, and elevated blood pressure are all commonly observed in patients with chronic renal failure. Fatigue is a result of anemia, which is common in individuals with chronic kidney disease due to the kidneys' decreased ability to produce erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates red blood cell production. Edema can occur because the kidneys are less able to excrete excess fluid, causing fluid to accumulate in tissues, often observed in the legs and ankles. Elevated blood pressure is also a frequent finding as the kidneys play a crucial role in regulating blood pressure through fluid balance and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. When kidney function declines, these regulatory mechanisms can become impaired, leading to hypertension. Hematuria, although it can occur in chronic kidney disease, is not as specific or common as the other symptoms listed. While it might be observed in certain cases or caused by conditions affecting the urinary tract or kidney structure, it is more typically associated with acute kidney issues, infections, or other urinary conditions rather than as a consistent symptom of chronic kidney failure. Therefore