The document discusses kidney function and kidney failure. The kidneys play a vital role in regulating fluid, electrolyte and acid-base balance. Kidney failure occurs when the kidneys are no longer able to perform these functions. There are two main types of kidney failure - acute renal failure, which develops rapidly over hours to days, and chronic renal failure, which is a gradual and progressive loss of function over months to years. Treatment for kidney failure includes medications, dialysis and kidney transplantation.