In a client with chronic renal failure, RBC production is decreased. The nurse should monitor for which symptom?

In a client with chronic renal failure, RBC production is decreased. The nurse should monitor for which symptom?

• A. Fatigue and weakness
• B. Weight gain
• C. Excessive sweating
• D. Hyperactivity

Answer: (A)

When the kidneys fail to produce enough erythropoietin, red blood cell production drops, causing anemia. With fewer RBCs, oxygen delivery to tissues declines, leading to fatigue and weakness, even with rest. This is the most characteristic symptom of anemia in chronic kidney disease. Weight gain can occur from fluid retention, not from decreased RBC production. Excessive sweating and hyperactivity are not typical signs of anemia, so they don’t fit as the primary indicator in this context.

When the kidneys fail to produce enough erythropoietin, red blood cell production drops, causing anemia. With fewer RBCs, oxygen delivery to tissues declines, leading to fatigue and weakness, even with rest. This is the most characteristic symptom of anemia in chronic kidney disease.

Weight gain can occur from fluid retention, not from decreased RBC production. Excessive sweating and hyperactivity are not typical signs of anemia, so they don’t fit as the primary indicator in this context.