National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

In patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), which vital sign is most likely to be affected?

1. Blood pressure

2. Heart rate

3. Body temperature

4. Respiratory rate

The correct answer is: Blood pressure

In patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), blood pressure is the vital sign most likely to be affected due to several interrelated factors associated with the condition. ESRD leads to accumulation of waste products and fluid overload in the body, which can disrupt normal blood volume and contribute to hypertension. Additionally, renal dysfunction often impacts the regulation of electrolytes, particularly sodium, which further influences blood pressure readings. Patients with ESRD are also at risk for cardiac complications and may experience changes in heart rate; however, these changes are typically secondary to more dominant factors like volume overload and blood pressure management. On the other hand, body temperature and respiratory rate are less directly impacted by the kidney’s function compared to blood pressure and are not primary concerns in the context of ESRD. Thus, the alteration of blood pressure proves to be a critical sign to monitor in this patient population.