Which of the following is a symptom of kidney failure?

• A. Loss of appetite, weight loss, painful movement
• B. Increased appetite
• C. Weight gain
• D. Shortness of breath

Answer: (A)

When kidney function declines, wastes build up in the body and metabolic processes become disrupted. This often leads to loss of appetite and weight loss, because nausea and a reduced drive to eat are common as toxins accumulate. Painful movement can appear as well, since kidney disease can cause muscle cramps, weakness, and bone–mineral disturbances that make moving uncomfortable. These signs together align with how kidney failure affects the body, making loss of appetite and weight loss a typical and direct pair of symptoms. Other options are less characteristic: increased appetite is unlikely, weight gain can occur from fluid retention but is not as direct a symptom as weight loss, and shortness of breath can happen but is not as specific to the early symptom pattern described.