A client with hypertension is being evaluated for end stage renal disease. The provider checks the glomerular filtration rate and determines that it is 12 mL/min. The nurse documents this finding at what stage of kidney disease?

A. Stage IV: Stage IV chronic kidney disease is defined by a GFR of 15–29 mL/min. A GFR of 12 mL/min is below this range, indicating more advanced kidney failure. Stage IV typically signals severe kidney damage but not yet requiring immediate dialysis in all cases. B. Stage I: Stage I CKD is characterized by normal or high GFR (≥90 mL/min) with evidence of kidney damage, such as proteinuria or structural abnormalities. A GFR of 12 mL/min is far below normal. C. Stage II: Stage II CKD involves a mild decrease in GFR (60–89 mL/min). At this stage, kidney function is slightly reduced, but patients often remain asymptomatic. A GFR of 12 mL/min is much lower than this range. D. Stage V: Stage V CKD, also called end-stage renal disease, is defined by a GFR less than 15 mL/min. At this stage, kidney function is severely compromised, and patients often require dialysis or kidney transplantation to sustain life.