Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Seek emergency help if you have almost no urine together with confusion, fainting, severe weakness, chest pain, severe shortness of breath, or signs of major bleeding.
Vomiting blood, passing black or bloody stool, or uncontrolled external bleeding also requires emergency care.
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Get urgent medical advice if:
Your urine output has fallen noticeably
You cannot keep fluids down
Vomiting or diarrhea is persistent
You feel dizzy when standing or repeatedly feel faint
You develop new swelling or breathlessness
A blood test shows a rapid rise in creatinine or BUN
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange routine follow-up after an episode if repeat kidney tests have been recommended, medicines were paused, or the cause has not been fully addressed.
Do not restart, stop, or change prescription medicines without the agreed plan.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Prerenal azotemia. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.