Question

A nurse assesses a client with renal insufficiency and a low red blood cell count. The client asks, "Is my anemia related to my kidney problem?" How would the nurse respond?

a. "Red blood cells produce erythropoietin, which increases blood flow to the kidneys."
b. "Your anemia and kidney problem are related to inadequate vitamin D and a loss of bone density."
c. "Erythropoietin is usually released from the kidneys and stimulates red blood cell production in the bone marrow."
d. "Kidney insufficiency inhibits active transportation of red blood cells throughout the blood."

Answer 1

The anemia is related to kidney problems because the kidneys release erythropoietin, which stimulates the production of red blood cells, and this process is compromised when there is renal insufficiency.

Step-by-step explanation:

In response to the question, "Is my anemia related to my kidney problem?", the correct answer is: c. "Erythropoietin is usually released from the kidneys and stimulates red blood cell production in the bone marrow." Erythropoietin (EPO) is a hormone critical for the production of red blood cells. When the kidneys sense low oxygen levels in the blood, they respond by releasing EPO, which then stimulates the bone marrow to increase the production of red blood cells. In conditions such as chronic kidney diseases, EPO production can decrease, leading to anemia. This explains the connection between your renal insufficiency and low red blood cell count.