USA Biology Olympiad (USABO) Practice Exam

What symptom would most likely be present in a patient suffering from kidney failure?

1. Low blood pressure

2. Higher salt concentration in the blood

3. Improved urine production

4. Decreased thirst

The correct answer is: Higher salt concentration in the blood

In cases of kidney failure, the kidneys are unable to effectively filter waste products from the blood, leading to an accumulation of various substances, including salts and other electrolytes. The kidneys normally play a critical role in regulating the body's salt balance, and when they fail, the ability to excrete excess sodium and other solutes is impaired. As a result, this can cause a higher concentration of salt in the blood, referred to as hypernatremia. This accumulation occurs because the kidneys are not able to remove the salt consumed through diet, which is significant given that the body relies on the kidneys to maintain homeostasis of electrolyte levels. Patients with kidney failure often exhibit symptoms related to fluid overload, hypertension, and imbalances in electrolytes, including an increased concentration of salt in their blood. Other options do not align with the typical presentations of kidney failure. For instance, low blood pressure can be a consequence of fluid overload or other factors but is not as definitive as high salt concentration. Improved urine production is generally not observed during kidney failure since the kidneys are compromised, leading to decreased urine output. Decreased thirst is also not a common symptom; patients might actually experience increased thirst due to imbalances and excess retention of fluids and electrolytes.