A patient has been diagnosed with acute kidney injury (AKI). Which symptoms might the family notice?

The symptoms of confusion and fatigue can often be associated with acute kidney injury (AKI) due to the effect that kidney dysfunction has on the body’s overall homeostasis. The kidneys play a crucial role in regulating electrolytes and maintaining fluid balance. When they fail to function properly, metabolic waste can accumulate in the bloodstream, leading to symptoms like confusion. This occurs because elevated levels of toxins in the blood can affect brain function. Fatigue is also common, as the body may struggle to manage energy levels and could be due to an imbalance in electrolytes, anemia from decreased erythropoietin production, or the overall burden of illness.

In contrast, while listlessness, dark circles under the eyes, and bounding pulses noted in the neck could be observable symptoms associated with various medical conditions, they are not as characteristic or direct indicators of AKI. Listlessness may be attributed to a lack of energy and fatigue but does not provide the clear link to kidney function disturbances seen with confusion and fatigue. Dark circles may relate more to other systemic issues or lack of sleep rather than AKI directly. Bounding pulses are usually indicative of fluid overload or hypervolemia, which can occur in chronic conditions rather than in the initial presentation of AKI.

Thus,