Question

The mother of a child with ESRD asks the nurse why her son is getting an injection of erythropoietin. When responding to the mother, the nurse incorporates understanding of which of the following as the rationale?

A) To treat low calcium levels
B) To stimulate growth in stature
C) To stimulate red blood cell growth
D) To correct acidosis

Answer 1

Erythropoietin (EPO) is a hormone injected in ESRD patients to stimulate the production of red blood cells due to the kidneys' reduced ability to produce this hormone, thereby addressing anemia.

Step-by-step explanation:

The injection of erythropoietin (EPO) is administered to patients with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) as their kidneys can no longer produce sufficient amounts of EPO due to damage. The primary function of EPO, which is a glycoprotein hormone secreted by the kidneys, is to respond to low oxygen levels in the blood by stimulating the production of red blood cells (erythrocytes) in the bone marrow. As red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body, increasing their numbers helps in mitigating the effects of anemia often associated with renal failure.