Author Question: The nurse is discussing the pathophysiologic process of anemia with a student. The nurse asks the ... (Read 38 times)

Brittanyd9008 · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

The nurse is discussing the pathophysiologic process of anemia with a student. The nurse asks the student, If an individual becomes anemic, how would the kidneys respond? The student would correctly respond that the kidneys would

a. increase protein metabolism.
b. increase the synthesis and release of erythropoietin.
c. conserve sodium and potassium.
d. change the osmotic gradient in the proximal tubule.

Question 2

The nurse is caring for a patient who begins to complain of shortness of breath. Upon further assessment, the nurse notes 3+ pitting edema bilaterally in the lower extremities.

Which medication taken by the patient would most concern the nurse with regard to these findings?
a. Epoetin alfa
b. Oprelvekin (interleukin-11)
c. Filgrastim (granulocyte colonystimulating factor)
d. Sargramostim (granulocyte-macrophage colonystimulating factor

brittanywood · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
In response to anemia or hypoxia, circulating levels of erythropoietin rise dramatically, triggering an increase in erythrocyte synthesis.
The kidneys do not increase protein metabolism or conserve sodium and potassium in response to anemia.
Anemia does not affect the osmotic gradient in the proximal tubule.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Oprelvekin causes the kidneys to retain sodium and water, which causes peripheral edema and expansion of plasma volume. Some patients experience dyspnea.
Fluid retention is not an adverse effect of epoetin alfa, filgrastim, or sargramostim.