HOSA Pathophysiology Assessment Practice Test

The term that describes a quality that is destructive to kidney tissue is "nephrotoxic." This term is derived from "nephro," relating to the kidneys, and "toxic," indicating a harmful or poisonous effect. Substances that are nephrotoxic can cause damage to the renal cells, leading to impaired kidney function and various renal pathologies. This concept is vital in medicine, especially when considering medications, toxins, or environmental factors that could potentially harm the kidneys.

In contrast, the term "nephroprotective" refers to agents or strategies that help protect the kidneys from damage, demonstrating a protective rather than harmful effect. "Nephroactive" could be interpreted as having an effect on kidney function, but it does not specifically imply harmful effects. "Nephrogenic," often used in conjunction with conditions relating to kidney development or origin, does not pertain to toxicity or destruction of kidney tissue. Thus, nephrotoxic clearly denotes the damaging quality in question.