Certified Dialysis Nurse Practice Test 2025 - Free Dialysis Nurse Practice Questions and Study Guide

Severe shortness of breath can be a critical symptom indicating that urgent dialysis may be necessary. This condition often suggests fluid overload or metabolic disturbances that occur with kidney failure. When the kidneys are unable to filter waste and excess fluid, the body can retain fluid, which may lead to pulmonary edema—a condition where fluid accumulates in the lungs, causing severe difficulty in breathing. This situation requires immediate medical intervention, such as dialysis, to remove the excess fluid and alleviate the respiratory distress. Prompt action is essential to prevent further complications and ensure patient safety, highlighting the urgency of the need for dialysis in this context.

In contrast, stable blood pressure generally indicates that the body's circulatory system is functioning appropriately, while regular urination is a sign of adequate kidney function. Mild fatigue, although it can be associated with a variety of issues including kidney disease, does not necessarily indicate an urgent need for dialysis compared to severe shortness of breath, which signals a potentially life-threatening situation.