Dialysis Technician Practice Exam

Stage 4 kidney disease is at what GFR?

1. 0-14

2. 15-29

3. 30-44

4. 45-59

The correct answer is: 15-29

Stage 4 kidney disease is classified by a Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) ranging from 15 to 29 mL/min. At this stage, kidney function is significantly reduced, and patients often experience severe symptoms due to the accumulation of waste products and fluid in the body. Management of Stage 4 kidney disease usually involves preparing for potential renal replacement therapy, such as dialysis or kidney transplantation, as patients are at a high risk of progressing to end-stage renal disease. In contrast, a GFR of 0-14 would indicate end-stage kidney failure, while a GFR between 30-44 or 45-59 would correspond to earlier stages of chronic kidney disease, where kidney function is still considerably better than in Stage 4. Understanding these classifications assists healthcare providers in determining the appropriate care and treatment pathway for patients experiencing kidney disease.