The nurse reviews the physiology of the renal system with a graduate nurse. Which statement indicates additional teaching is required? Question content area bottom Part 1 A. “The kidneys produce the active form of vitamin D.” B. “The kidneys regulate the acid-base balance of body fluids.” C. “The kidneys stimulate white blood cell production.” D. “The kidneys help regulate blood pressure.”
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is C. “The kidneys stimulate white blood cell production.”
Explanation:
The kidneys have several vital functions related to maintaining homeostasis in the body, but stimulating white blood cell production is not one of them. The kidneys do produce erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates red blood cell production in the bone marrow, not white blood cells. White blood cells are primarily produced in the bone marrow and lymphatic tissues under the regulation of the immune system.
Statement A is correct because the kidneys convert vitamin D into its active form, calcitriol. This active vitamin D helps regulate calcium and phosphate levels, which are essential for bone health.
Statement B is correct as the kidneys play a key role in regulating the acid-base balance of body fluids. They do this by selectively reabsorbing bicarbonate and excreting hydrogen ions, helping to maintain the blood’s pH within a narrow, healthy range.
Statement D is also correct. The kidneys help regulate blood pressure through the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). When blood pressure drops, the kidneys release renin, an enzyme that initiates a cascade to increase blood pressure by constricting blood vessels and increasing sodium and water retention.
In summary, the kidneys are involved in vitamin D activation, acid-base balance regulation, and blood pressure control, but they do not stimulate the production of white blood cells. This misunderstanding indicates the need for further teaching.