What is a potential consequence of elevated serum creatinine levels?

Elevated serum creatinine levels are a significant indicator of renal dysfunction. Creatinine is a waste product formed from muscle metabolism and is normally excreted by the kidneys. When the kidneys are not functioning properly, they cannot adequately filter creatinine from the blood, leading to increased serum levels. This rise in creatinine is often used as a laboratory marker to assess kidney health, with higher levels suggesting decreased kidney function and potential kidney injury or disease.

The other options do not align with the implications of elevated serum creatinine. Improved kidney function would result in lower, not higher, creatinine levels. Increased liver function is unrelated since creatinine is primarily a product of muscle metabolism and indicates kidney health, not liver function. Finally, elevated creatinine levels are actually associated with an increased risk of hypertension, as renal dysfunction can affect blood pressure regulation. Thus, option C accurately reflects the significance of elevated serum creatinine levels in indicating renal dysfunction.