Certified Dialysis Nurse Practice Test

Fatigue is a common symptom of chronic kidney disease (CKD) due to the accumulation of toxins and metabolic waste products in the body that the compromised kidneys can no longer effectively filter out. As kidney function declines, the body's ability to eliminate these harmful substances diminishes, leading to a general feeling of tiredness or weakness. Additionally, CKD can lead to anemia, where there is a decrease in red blood cells, further contributing to fatigue since the body doesn't receive enough oxygen.

While shortness of breath, joint pain, and skin rash can occur in patients with chronic kidney disease, they are not as universally recognized as fatigue. Shortness of breath may arise due to fluid overload or anemia, joint pain might relate to associated conditions or treatments, and skin rashes can be linked to skin problems that may accompany CKD, but fatigue stands out as a primary and prevalent symptom experienced by many individuals with the disease.