A client with chronic kidney disease has a low red blood cell count. What is the best response by the nurse?
Your kidneys are allowing a lot of red blood cells to leak out in your urine and causing you to become anemic
The inflammatory process attacking your kidneys is also attacking your red blood cells
The high pressure in your vessels that caused damage to your kidneys is also causing your red blood cells to burst
Your kidneys are not able to synthesize the hormone responsible for stimulating red blood cell production
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) does not primarily cause anemia by leaking red blood cells (RBCs) into urine. While hematuria may occur in some renal conditions, anemia in CKD results mainly from reduced erythropoietin production, not RBC loss. This statement is inaccurate, as it misrepresents the primary mechanism of anemia in CKD.
Choice B reason: Inflammation in CKD may contribute to anemia by suppressing erythropoiesis through cytokine release, but it does not directly attack RBCs. The primary cause is erythropoietin deficiency due to impaired renal function. This statement is inaccurate, as it overstates inflammation’s role and ignores the key hormonal mechanism in CKD-related anemia.
Choice C reason: High vascular pressure in CKD can damage kidneys but does not directly cause RBCs to burst (hemolysis). Anemia in CKD stems from reduced erythropoietin, not mechanical RBC destruction. This statement is inaccurate, as it incorrectly links hypertension’s renal effects to direct RBC damage, misrepresenting the anemia’s cause.
Choice D reason: CKD causes anemia due to reduced erythropoietin synthesis by damaged kidneys. Erythropoietin stimulates RBC production in bone marrow. In CKD, impaired renal function decreases erythropoietin, leading to anemia. This statement is accurate, as it correctly identifies the hormonal deficiency as the primary cause of low RBC counts in CKD.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Negative glucose in urine is normal, as the kidneys reabsorb glucose unless blood levels exceed 180 mg/dL (e.g., in diabetes). In hypertension, this finding does not indicate renal damage or require further assessment, as it aligns with normal renal function and glucose handling.
Choice B reason: Negative white blood cells in urine suggest no urinary tract infection or inflammation, a normal finding. In hypertensive patients, this does not signal kidney damage or other complications, so no additional assessment is needed, as it indicates an absence of acute inflammatory processes.
Choice C reason: Proteinuria (positive protein) indicates potential renal damage, common in hypertension due to glomerular injury from elevated pressure. It suggests impaired filtration, allowing proteins like albumin to leak into urine. This finding warrants further assessment, such as quantifying protein levels or evaluating kidney function, making it the correct choice.
Choice D reason: Creatinine in urine is normal, as it is a waste product excreted by the kidneys. While serum creatinine assesses renal function, urinary creatinine presence is expected and does not indicate pathology in hypertension, so it does not require additional assessment in this context.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Metformin is safe for kidneys in patients with normal renal function but is excreted renally, requiring monitoring in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR) can lead to metformin accumulation, increasing lactic acidosis risk. Regular renal function tests (e.g., creatinine, GFR) are needed, making this statement accurate.
Choice B reason: Metformin is not nephrotoxic; it does not directly damage kidneys. Its primary risk in renal impairment is lactic acidosis due to reduced clearance, not direct toxicity. This statement is inaccurate, as metformin is generally renal-safe when monitored appropriately in patients with adequate kidney function.
Choice C reason: Metformin does not increase kidney stone risk. It lowers blood glucose by reducing hepatic gluconeogenesis and improving insulin sensitivity, without altering urinary composition linked to stones. Kidney stones are more associated with conditions like hyperuricemia or dehydration, making this statement inaccurate for metformin’s effects.
Choice D reason: Metformin requires renal function monitoring, as it is cleared by the kidneys. In renal impairment, accumulation can cause lactic acidosis, a rare but serious complication. This statement is inaccurate, as monitoring (e.g., eGFR) is essential to ensure safe use, especially in patients with kidney disease risk.
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