A nurse is caring for a client with anemia. Which diagnostic test should the nurse anticipate to determine the cause of the anemia and assess the size and shape of the red blood cells?

A) This choice is incorrect because while blood pressure monitoring is essential for clients with chronic kidney disease, it is not specifically related to ESA therapy.

B) This choice is incorrect because serum potassium levels are important in chronic kidney disease, but they are not directly related to ESA therapy.

C) This choice is incorrect because dietary sodium intake is important in managing fluid balance in chronic kidney disease, but it is not directly related to ESA therapy.

D) This choice is correct. ESA therapy stimulates the production of red blood cells, and adequate iron levels are necessary for this process. Clients with chronic kidney disease often have decreased iron levels due to various factors, and iron supplementation is crucial for the success of ESA therapy.

Questions

A) This statement is incorrect because anemia is characterized by a decrease in red blood cell production or an abnormal decrease in hemoglobin levels, not an increase in red blood cell production.

B) This statement is incorrect because anemia is caused by a deficiency in iron, not an excess of iron.

C) This statement is correct. Anemia is characterized by a reduced number of red blood cells or a decreased hemoglobin concentration, which leads to a diminished ability of the blood to carry oxygen throughout the body.

D) This statement is incorrect. Anemia is not caused by a viral infection affecting the bone marrow; rather, it is typically caused by nutritional deficiencies, chronic diseases, or blood loss.