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

Prerenal acute renal failure is primarily caused by factors that lead to a decrease in blood flow to the kidneys, resulting in inadequate filtration and function. Dehydration is a significant factor because it reduces the overall blood volume and subsequently decreases the perfusion pressure to the kidneys. When the kidneys perceive low blood volume, they conserve water and reabsorb sodium to maintain blood pressure, but if the dehydration is severe or prolonged, it can lead to acute kidney injury.

The other options typically relate to intrinsic or postrenal causes rather than prerenal issues. Chronic inflammation can damage kidney tissue over time, leading to intrinsic renal failure. Kidney stones can obstruct urinary flow, which is associated with postrenal failure. Genetic disorders may lead to congenital anomalies affecting renal structure or function, which are not typically causes of prerenal failure. Thus, dehydration is clearly aligned with conditions that impair renal perfusion and contribute to prerenal acute renal failure.