Pathophysiology of Chronic Renal Failure

A patient is diagnosed with chronic renal failure (CRF). The nurse is reviewing the pathophysiology of CRF with fellow healthcare professionals. As the kidneys fail, the body's ability to perform various functions diminishes. The kidneys normally filter waste products like urea and creatinine from the blood, but in CRF, these substances accumulate. This accumulation leads to several metabolic imbalances. One important change is the increased retention of __________ in the bloodstream, primarily due to decreased excretion of this substance by the failing kidneys. Understanding this pathophysiological change is crucial for effective patient management.