ACCS Practice Exam 2026 – Complete Test Preparation Guide

In patients undergoing continuous mechanical ventilation, the presence of oliguria (reduced urine output) and elevated creatinine levels signals a potential compromise in renal function. This condition is typically indicative of renal failure, which occurs when the kidneys are unable to adequately filter waste products from the blood.

In the presence of large bilateral pleural effusions, which can lead to respiratory distress and decreased cardiac output, the kidneys may receive inadequate perfusion. A decline in renal perfusion can significantly impact kidney function, causing oliguria and elevated levels of creatinine, a waste product normally excreted by the kidneys. These symptoms reflect acute kidney injury, often caused by impaired blood flow or a direct insult to the renal tissues.

While cardiac failure and heart failure are closely related and can also result in decreased renal perfusion, the focus in this scenario is primarily on renal function as indicated by changes in urine output and creatinine levels. Diabetic ketoacidosis, on the other hand, primarily presents with metabolic derangements including hyperglycemia and metabolic acidosis, rather than the renal failure signified by the combination of oliguria and elevated creatinine levels.