Certified Dialysis Nurse Practice Test 2025 – All-in-One Resource for Exam Success!

Erythropoietin-stimulating agents (ESAs) are commonly prescribed to dialysis patients to manage anemia because these medications stimulate the bone marrow to produce more red blood cells. Patients with chronic kidney disease often experience anemia due to the kidneys' reduced ability to produce erythropoietin, a hormone critical for red blood cell production. By administering ESAs, healthcare providers can effectively address this deficiency, which helps improve the patient’s hemoglobin levels and overall energy levels.

In the context of anemia management, the use of ESAs has been well-supported by clinical practice guidelines, making them a central component of treatment protocols for dialysis patients with anemia. While iron supplements may also play a role in conjunction with ESAs to ensure that there are sufficient iron levels available for red blood cell production, the primary agent that directly stimulates the production of red blood cells is ESAs. Other medications, such as vitamin D and blood thinners, do not primarily address the issue of anemia associated with renal failure.