Which substance causes kidney damage?

• A. Nephrotoxin
• B. Hepatotoxin
• C. Hematopoietic toxin
• D. Neurotoxin

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that toxins are often named for the organ they harm. Substances that damage the kidneys are called nephrotoxins. When a nephrotoxin enters the body, it can injure renal cells—especially in the tubules—disrupting how the kidneys filter and balance fluids and electrolytes. This injury can lead to reduced filtration, altered reabsorption, and elevated waste products in the blood, manifesting as kidney damage or acute kidney injury. In contrast, hepatotoxins target the liver, hematopoietic toxins affect bone marrow and blood cell production, and neurotoxins impact the nervous system. Since the question asks which substance causes kidney damage, nephrotoxins are the correct match.