Anuria is most closely associated with which condition?

• A. Acute renal failure
• B. Cystitis
• C. Pyelonephritis
• D. Nephrotic syndrome

Answer: (A)

Anuria means almost no urine output. It is most closely linked to acute renal failure because when the kidneys suddenly lose their filtering ability, urine production falls dramatically, often to near zero. Cystitis and pyelonephritis are infections of the urinary tract that can cause symptoms and discomfort, but they typically still produce urine. Nephrotic syndrome involves heavy protein loss and edema with variable urine output, but not usually a complete absence of urine. So the scenario that best fits anuria is acute renal failure.