know why hb is always low in CRF?

nightmare, RN · May 12, 2008

Moved to student assistance forum.

Daytonite, BSN, RN · May 12, 2008

The answers are in knowing the pathophysiology of chronic renal failure. See these other threads:

hypocalcemia in acute renal failure https://allnurses.com/forums/f50/acute-renal-failure-calcium-183380.html
renal failure https://allnurses.com/forums/f205/esrd-pathophysiology-278036.html

There is diminished erythropoietin secretion which causes a reduction in RBC production in the bone marrow that ultimately is responsible for the low hemoglobin. See the thread on hypocalcemia.

TangoLima · May 12, 2008

Have you looked up the drugs and the patho of kidney failure?

One of the functions of the kidneys is the production of erythropoietin which stimulates production of RBCs. If the kidney's dont work, no erythro, no RBCs, and therefore low Hb and Hct.

Caltrate is a drug that counteracts high levels of phosphate and potassium, both of which would be elevated because the kidneys can't excrete them.

I haven't heard of fersolate, but I'm assuming that it is similar to ferrous sulfate which is an iron supplement. Iron is needed to make RBCs, so if your patient in iron deficient, they will need the supplement to make fully functioning RBCs.

Make sure you understand the patho of kidney failure. The kidneys are responsible for A LOT OF STUFF, so you really need to understand all the consequences.

Good luck.

tanthalas · May 12, 2008

Thanks, I should've known that RF leads to deficiency in erythropoiesis and consequently haemoglobin. I'll never forget that one now!

Columnist · May 12, 2008

In addition, the RBC's that are produced in a patient with CRF are more fragile and don't last as long, thereby adding to the problem of anemia.

mragko · May 13, 2008

thank u very much for your help. till next time.