Skin turgor may be poor, with dry mucous membranes . The neck veins may be collapsed. There may be little or no urine in the bladder even when drained by a catheter. If the condition is prolonged, other signs of acute renal failure may be present. A urinalysis may show decreased kidney function preserving the ability of the tubules.
Nitrogen wastes and electrolytes continue to be excreted, but at abnormally low rates.
Urine creatinine to serum creatinine ratio is high. Fractional excretion of urea is low. Osmolality and specific gravity show concentrated urine. The main goal of treatment is to rapidly correct the cause of the prerenal azotemia before damage occurs to the internal kidney structures. Hospitalization is often required, and may involve treatment in an intensive care unit.