Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) Test 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

End organ dysfunction refers to the impairment of the function of the organ systems as a consequence of a critical health condition or disease process. Renal damage is a clear indicator of end-organ dysfunction, as it reflects that the kidneys are not performing their role effectively—such as filtering waste from the blood, regulating electrolytes, and maintaining fluid balance. When there is renal damage, it can lead to a buildup of toxins in the bloodstream, electrolyte imbalances, and fluid retention, all of which are critical concerns in an emergency setting.

Other conditions listed may be symptomatic of a broader issue but do not specifically indicate dysfunction of an organ system in the same direct manner as renal damage does. For instance, hypoglycemia relates more to metabolic control rather than organ function. Decreased heart rate may occur in a variety of scenarios and does not specifically indicate dysfunction of any singular organ. Excessive sweating could result from a range of causes including anxiety or pain but does not specifically correlate directly to an organ failure. Therefore, renal damage is the most definitive sign of end organ dysfunction.