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

Malignant nephrosclerosis is a severe form of kidney damage commonly associated with malignant hypertension. This condition leads to significant structural changes in the kidneys, particularly affecting the small blood vessels. As a result, the symptoms that emerge are often related to kidney dysfunction and the effects of hypertension on the body's systems.

Nausea, vomiting, and confusion are classic signs indicative of uremia, which can occur when the kidneys are unable to adequately filter waste products from the blood. This accumulation of toxins can affect the brain, leading to confusion, and can also cause gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea and vomiting. These symptoms highlight the systemic consequences of impaired kidney function and the body's response to toxic buildup.

In contrast, weight gain and joint pain, excessive thirst and fatigue, and joint swelling and muscle weakness do not directly correlate with the hallmark effects of malignant nephrosclerosis or the immediate results of acute kidney injury due to the condition. Understanding the connection between the symptoms and the underlying pathophysiology of malignant nephrosclerosis helps in recognizing the severity of symptoms such as those reflected in the correct choice.

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