What is not a symptom of uremia?

• A. Elevated hematocrit
• B. Nausea
• C. Fatigue
• D. Itching

Answer: (A)

Uremia from kidney failure causes a range of systemic symptoms due to the buildup of wastes and metabolic disturbances. Nausea, fatigue, and itching are classic signs because toxins affect the gut, energy levels, and skin/nerve sensations. A key point is that kidneys normally help make erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates red blood cell production. When the kidneys fail, erythropoietin drops, leading to anemia and a lower hematocrit, not an elevated one. So an increased hematocrit would not be expected as a symptom of uremia.