Final answer:
The last stage of chronic renal failure is called Stage 5 Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), which requires renal replacement therapy such as dialysis or a kidney transplant due to severe reduction in kidney function.
Step-by-step explanation:
The last stage of chronic renal failure is called Stage 5 Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), also known as established kidney failure. When a person reaches this stage, their glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is less than 15 mL/min/1.73 m², indicating a severe reduction in kidney function. At this stage, the kidneys have lost nearly all their ability to do their job effectively, and as a result, the patient will need renal replacement therapy, which can include dialysis or a kidney transplant. Dialysis involves using a machine to filter waste from the blood, serving as an artificial replacement for lost kidney function. The most common causes that can lead to CKD include diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and glomerulonephritis.