A 45-year-old female patient with the diagnosis of acute renal failure was admitted to the medical ward. She had edema, difficulty of breathing and urinate 250 mL of urine in the past 24 hours. Her serum Creatinine level was 1.9mg/dL (Normal range is of creatinine is 0.6-1.2 mg/dL) . What is the pathophysiological stage of the patient's renal failure? a. Oliguric Phase b. Diuretic Phase c. Initiation Phase d. Recovery Phase

The correct answer is a. Oliguric Phase.<br /><br />The pathophysiological stages of acute renal failure (ARF) are as follows:<br /><br />1. Initiation Phase: This is the initial stage where there is a sudden loss of kidney function due to any underlying cause, such as severe dehydration, shock, or obstruction of the urinary tract.<br /><br />2. Oliguric Phase: This phase is characterized by a significant reduction in urine output, typically less than 400 mL in 24 hours. The kidneys are unable to filter and excrete waste products effectively, leading to the accumulation of toxins in the blood. The patient's symptoms of edema, difficulty breathing, and low urine output are indicative of this phase.<br /><br />3. Diuretic Phase: In this phase, the kidneys start to recover and there is an increase in urine output. The urine may still contain blood or other abnormalities, but the overall kidney function begins to improve.<br /><br />4. Recovery Phase: This is the final phase where the kidneys have fully recovered their function, and there is no further evidence of kidney dysfunction.<br /><br />In the given scenario, the patient's low urine output (250 mL in 24 hours), edema, difficulty breathing, and elevated serum creatinine level are consistent with the oliguric phase of acute renal failure.