Which symptom should the nurse ask about that is commonly associated with uremia?

• A. Itching
• B. Nausea
• C. Weight loss
• D. Shortness of breath

Answer: (B)

Nausea is a classic manifestation of uremia due to toxin buildup from failing kidneys irritating the gastrointestinal tract and triggering the vomiting center. As waste products accumulate in the blood, the GI system becomes sensitive, often causing nausea and sometimes vomiting, along with loss of appetite. While itching can occur from uremic pruritus and shortness of breath can result from fluid overload or anemia, these are less specific indicators of uremia. Weight loss can happen for many reasons and isn’t as directly tied to the toxin buildup as nausea. So asking about nausea targets the most characteristic GI symptom of uremia and helps identify this condition.