Certified Dialysis Nurse Practice Test 2026 – All-in-One Resource for Exam Success!

Hypertension negatively impacts kidney function primarily through mechanisms such as glomerulosclerosis, which is the hardening and scarring of the small blood vessels in the kidneys. This condition occurs as a direct consequence of the increased pressure exerted on the blood vessel walls within the glomeruli—the filtering units of the kidneys. Over time, this sustained high-pressure environment can lead to structural changes in the glomeruli, impairing their ability to filter blood effectively. Consequently, the kidneys may experience a decline in their overall function, which can escalate to chronic kidney disease or eventual kidney failure if hypertension remains uncontrolled.

By recognizing the role of glomerulosclerosis in this process, one can understand the long-term implications of uncontrolled hypertension on kidney health, reinforcing the need for managing blood pressure to preserve renal function effectively.