A client with chronic renal failure is asking the nurse why her hemoglobin and hematocrit counts are low. Which of the following is the nurse's best response?
Your counts are low because of all the heparin you are receiving during dialysis
Your counts are low because your kidneys are no longer producing erythropoietin
Your counts are low because you are losing blood with each dialysis treatment
Your counts are low because you are not eating a diet rich in protein
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Heparin prevents clotting during dialysis but doesn’t reduce hemoglobin or hematocrit directly. It’s not a primary cause of anemia in renal failure, unlike erythropoietin deficiency.
Choice B reason: Kidneys in chronic renal failure fail to produce erythropoietin, a hormone stimulating red blood cell production, leading to low hemoglobin and hematocrit, the key cause here.
Choice C reason: Minor blood loss occurs in dialysis, but it’s not the primary reason for chronic anemia. Erythropoietin deficiency from renal failure has a greater impact on counts.
Choice D reason: Poor protein intake affects overall health but isn’t the main driver of anemia in renal failure. Erythropoietin loss from kidney dysfunction is the dominant factor.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Increasing oxygen to 3 L/min may help but risks CO2 retention in COPD without assessing respiratory rate, depth, and saturation first, making it premature.
Choice B reason: Coughing clears secretions, but without assessing respiratory status, it’s unclear if secretions are the issue or if the client can effectively cough, so it’s not priority.
Choice C reason: Calling emergency services assumes severity without data like oxygen saturation or distress level, delaying care by skipping initial assessment in this stable setting.
Choice D reason: Assessing respiratory status (rate, oxygen saturation, lung sounds) identifies the cause of difficulty, guiding interventions like oxygen adjustment or escalation, per ABC priority.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Creatinine 5.1 in ESRD is chronic, not acute, and stable unless symptomatic; it’s less urgent than potential bleeding risks in other clients.
Choice B reason: Pain (6/10) in pancreatitis is significant but not immediately life-threatening compared to airway or bleeding risks, manageable with scheduled interventions.
Choice C reason: Itchiness and drowsiness in cirrhosis suggest liver dysfunction, concerning but not acute threats like variceal rupture, prioritizing more critical symptoms.
Choice D reason: Coughing with esophageal varices risks rupture and massive bleeding, a life-threatening emergency, making this client the priority for immediate assessment.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.