What is renal failure?

Renal failure refers to a condition where the kidneys are unable to filter waste products from the blood effectively. This impairment can lead to the accumulation of toxins in the body, causing various health complications. The kidneys play a crucial role in maintaining fluid balance, electrolyte levels, and removing waste, so when they fail, these essential functions are compromised.

In renal failure, patients may experience symptoms such as fatigue, swelling, and changes in urination. There are two primary types of renal failure: acute and chronic. Acute renal failure occurs suddenly, often due to a specific event such as injury or illness, while chronic renal failure develops over time due to gradual kidney damage.

The other options describe conditions that do not accurately represent renal failure. For instance, the first option incorrectly states that renal failure is a condition where the kidneys filter blood effectively, which contradicts the fundamental definition of renal failure. The third option refers to a temporary decrease in kidney function, which describes acute kidney injury rather than renal failure as a chronic or severe condition. The fourth option suggests a genetic disorder affecting kidney structure, which pertains to hereditary conditions that affect kidney development but do not define renal failure itself.