Certified Dialysis Nurse Practice Test 2025 – All-in-One Resource for Exam Success!

Chronic renal failure (CRF), also referred to as chronic kidney disease (CKD), is diagnosed based on the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which is a key indicator of kidney function. A GFR of less than 60 ml/min specifically indicates a significant decline in kidney function, typically correlating with the stages of chronic kidney disease.

At this level, patients are at an increased risk for complications related to kidney failure, such as the accumulation of waste products in the blood, electrolyte imbalances, and other issues that may require medical intervention or dialysis. The distinction of a GFR below 60 ml/min is also critical for diagnosing the severity of the disease and determining management strategies, including potential need for renal replacement therapy as the condition progresses.

In contrast, GFR values higher than 60 ml/min indicate that kidney function is still relatively preserved, thus not categorizing the patient as having chronic renal failure.