Increased creatinine is associated with which condition?

• A. Dehydration
• B. Increased creatinine
• C. Reduced muscle mass
• D. Anemia

Answer: (B)

Creatinine is a waste product from muscle metabolism that the kidneys normally clear. When kidney function declines, the glomerular filtration rate drops and serum creatinine rises. This makes an increased creatinine level a direct sign of impaired renal function or reduced renal perfusion (as can occur with dehydration). Reduced muscle mass would actually lower creatinine production, and anemia does not directly drive creatinine upward. So recognizing an increased creatinine best reflects a state of renal impairment, which is why selecting the option describing increased creatinine is the most appropriate choice.