Question

The primary cause of anemia in a client with chronic renal failure is: A. Poor iron absorption B. Destruction of red blood cells C. Lack of intrinsic factor D. Insufficient erythropoietin

Short answer

Answer: The primary cause of anemia in a patient with chronic renal failure is insufficient erythropoietin.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the condition of chronic renal failure and anemia

Chronic renal failure, also known as chronic kidney disease, is a condition where the kidneys gradually lose their function over time. When the kidneys lose function, one of the consequences is anemia, which is a shortage of red blood cells (RBCs). To determine the primary cause of anemia in this context, let's analyze each option separately.

Analyze option A - Poor iron absorption

Iron absorption could be affected in patients with chronic renal failure, but it is not the primary reason behind anemia in these patients. So, this choice is not the correct answer.

Analyze option B - Destruction of red blood cells

Destruction of red blood cells could be a cause of anemia in general, but it is not the primary reason for anemia in patients with chronic renal failure. Thus, this choice is also incorrect.

Analyze option C - Lack of intrinsic factor

Lack of intrinsic factor is mainly associated with pernicious anemia (a specific type of anemia) and not specifically related to chronic renal failure. So, this option is not the primary cause of the anemia in the given condition.

Analyze option D - Insufficient erythropoietin

Erythropoietin is a hormone produced by the kidneys that stimulates the bone marrow to produce red blood cells. In patients with chronic renal failure, the damaged kidneys produce insufficient erythropoietin, which leads to a decreased production of red blood cells and consequently causing anemia. This is the primary cause of anemia in patients with chronic renal failure.

Conclusion

The primary cause of anemia in a client with chronic renal failure is option D: Insufficient erythropoietin. The other options, though potentially involved in anemia, are not the primary cause in the context of chronic renal failure.