Which of the following best describes ESRD treatment options?

• A. Diet restriction (protein, Na, K); dialysis; transplant
• B. Antibiotics only
• C. Physical therapy alone
• D. Vaccination schedule

Answer: (A)

End-stage renal disease requires replacing kidney function, which is done mainly through dialysis to filter the blood or a kidney transplant for long-term replacement. Diet plays a supportive, essential role alongside these treatments by helping manage waste buildup and fluid and electrolyte balance: restricting protein lowers nitrogenous waste that dialysis would otherwise have to clear, limiting sodium helps control fluid overload and blood pressure, and limiting potassium reduces the risk of dangerous hyperkalemia. The other options don’t address the core need to replace kidney function—antibiotics treat infections, physical therapy alone doesn’t treat kidney failure, and a vaccination schedule, while important for health, does not treat ESRD.