Which finding is most consistent with AKI?

• A. Oliguria and rising creatinine
• B. Hyperkalemia
• C. Proteinuria
• D. Hypotension

Answer: (A)

Acute kidney injury shows up as a sudden drop in how well the kidneys filter, leading to waste buildup and often a noticeable decline in urine output. The strongest sign is the combination of reduced urine production (oliguria) and a rise in serum creatinine, which together indicate the kidneys’ filtration rate has fallen quickly. Hyperkalemia can occur because the kidneys aren’t excreting potassium well, but it isn’t the defining feature of AKI. Proteinuria points more toward chronic or glomerular disease, not the acute change in function. Hypotension can contribute by lowering kidney perfusion but isn’t the hallmark finding of AKI. So the most consistent finding is oliguria with rising creatinine.