Manitoba Nephrology Nurse Practice Test

The treatment of anemia in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients often involves iron supplements. Anemia in CKD is primarily due to a combination of factors, including inadequate production of erythropoietin by damaged kidneys, decreased red blood cell lifespan, and an often decreased availability of iron due to poor absorption or loss.

Iron is essential for the production of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. By replenishing iron stores through supplements, healthcare providers can help improve hemoglobin levels and overall oxygen delivery in patients with CKD. This practice is backed by clinical evidence indicating that iron supplementation can effectively treat iron deficiency anemia, especially when used along with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents.

High protein diets may not be a common treatment for anemia in CKD patients as they need to manage protein intake to slow kidney damage, and the focus for anemia management remains on addressing iron levels and stimulating red blood cell production. Increased fluids are generally not indicated specifically for anemia treatment and can actually be counterproductive in CKD, where fluid overload is a concern. Vitamin C injections, while they may assist with iron absorption in some contexts, are not a standard or common treatment for anemia in CKD patients.