Final answer:
In end-stage renal disease (ESRD) with metabolic acidosis, a nurse may be expected to administer vitamin D to a patient due to the kidneys' impaired ability to activate the nutrient, which is crucial for calcium homeostasis and bone health.
Step-by-step explanation:
Administration of Vitamin D in ESRD with Metabolic Acidosis
If a 10-year-old boy with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) has metabolic acidosis, the nurse may expect to administer vitamin D if ordered by a physician. In kidneys with ESRD, there is reduced capability to activate vitamin D, which is vital for calcium regulation. Since the kidneys play a crucial role in the activation of vitamin D, patients with ESRD often face deficiencies, which can contribute to bone disorders like renal osteodystrophy. Supplemental vitamin D helps in managing these complications by supporting the body's ability to regulate calcium and phosphate for healthy bone formation.
Metabolic acidosis is a common complication in ESRD due to the accumulation of acids such as sulfates and phosphates, leading to disruption in enzyme activity and homeostasis. Proper activation of vitamin D by the kidneys is essential for maintaining calcium homeostasis, and without it, systemic problems like bone demineralization may occur, requiring the administration of vitamin D to mitigate these effects.
The relationship between the urinary system and overall homeostasis is complex, and the kidneys' inability to function properly in conditions like ESRD can lead to systemic issues that affect multiple body systems. Among these is a compromised capacity to activate vitamin D, necessitating medical intervention to restore balance and maintain health.