What are three serious consequences of renal failure?

1. Anemia. The kidneys produce a hormone called erythropoietin, which stimulates the bone marrow to produce red blood cells. When the kidneys fail, they can no longer produce erythropoietin, which leads to anemia. Anemia can cause fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, and pale skin.

2. Hyperkalemia. The kidneys regulate the levels of potassium in the blood. When the kidneys fail, they can no longer remove excess potassium from the blood, which can lead to hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia can cause muscle weakness, paralysis, and cardiac arrest.

3. Metabolic acidosis. The kidneys help to regulate the acid-base balance of the blood. When the kidneys fail, they can no longer remove excess acid from the blood, which can lead to metabolic acidosis. Metabolic acidosis can cause nausea, vomiting, confusion, and coma.