Certified Dialysis Nurse Practice Test 2026 - Free Dialysis Nurse Practice Questions and Study Guide

Progressive lethargy and vomiting are symptoms that can indicate severe kidney damage because they reflect a declining status of renal function. When the kidneys are severely compromised, they struggle to filter waste products and maintain fluid and electrolyte balance in the body. This can lead to the accumulation of toxins, which may cause a patient to experience lethargy—an overall fatigue and lack of energy. Vomiting can also occur as a result of the buildup of uremic toxins in the blood, which irritate the gastrointestinal system.

Persistent headaches, fever and chills, and frequent urination, while they may occur in patients with various health issues, are not direct indicators of severe kidney damage. Headaches can be related to numerous causes, fever and chills usually point towards infections or inflammatory processes, and frequent urination may not always correlate with kidney impairment, as it can also be a symptom of conditions such as diabetes or urinary tract infections. In cases of severe kidney damage, the more critical symptoms like lethargy and vomiting are more pronounced due to the body's inability to adequately eliminate waste products.