A hormone that is produced by the kidneys and stimulates formulation of Red Blood Cells is? & x20; - RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2019

RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2019

Applied Physiology

Easy

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2019

Explanation

Erythropoietin is a hormone produced predominantly by the kidneys (about 90%).
Its primary function is to act as the main regulator of erythropoiesis (red blood cell production).
Production is stimulated by tissue hypoxia (low oxygen levels), signaling the bone marrow to increase RBC production.
This process helps to increase the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, thus correcting the initial hypoxia.

Option A: Renin is an enzyme, not a hormone, that initiates the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS) to regulate blood pressure. It does not stimulate red blood cell production.
Option B: Angiotensin I is an inactive peptide hormone in the RAAS pathway. It is a precursor to the active form, Angiotensin II, and has no role in erythropoiesis.
Option C: Angiotensin II is the active hormone in the RAAS pathway. Its main effects are vasoconstriction and stimulation of aldosterone release, both of which increase blood pressure. It is not involved in RBC formation.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Hormonal regulation of erythropoiesis by the kidneys helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
In patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), the damaged kidneys cannot produce enough erythropoietin, leading to anemia. These patients are often treated with synthetic erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) like epoetin alfa.
Nurses administering ESAs must monitor hemoglobin levels and blood pressure closely, as excessive RBC production can increase blood viscosity and the risk of hypertension and thromboembolic events.
What if? - If a patient has polycythemia vera (a type of blood cancer causing overproduction of RBCs), their natural erythropoietin levels would be very low as the body tries to shut down the already overactive production.

How to Approach the Question

First, break down the question to identify the key components: a substance that is 1) a hormone, 2) produced by the kidneys, and 3) stimulates RBC formation.
Review the options provided. Evaluate each option against the three criteria identified from the question.
Recall the primary functions of each substance. Renin, Angiotensin I, and Angiotensin II are key players in the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS), which regulates blood pressure.
Recognize that Erythropoietin (often shortened to EPO) is the specific hormone responsible for erythropoiesis (RBC production).
Conclude that Erythropoietin is the only option that fits all parts of the question's definition.

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