A 68-year-old patient with end-stage renal disease on hemodi…
A 68-year-old patient with end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis presents with extreme fatigue, pallor, and a hemoglobin level of 6.5 g/dL. Laboratory results show a significantly low erythropoietin level, as well as elevated BUN and creatinine levels. The healthcare provider orders a blood transfusion, as well as erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) for future management. Which of the following mechanisms explains the patient’s need for a blood transfusion due to his anemia, and why are ESAs indicated for future management?