A patient with chronic renal failure develops persistent fatigue and laboratory tests show a decreased red blood cell count. Which explanation best accounts for the anemia associated with kidney disease?

• A. Diseased kidneys are unable to produce sufficient erythropoietin to stimulate red blood cell formation.
• B. Diseased kidneys release excess erythropoietin, causing rapid destruction of red blood cells.
• C. Kidney failure prevents absorption of oxygen from the lungs into the bloodstream.
• D. Kidney damage causes white blood cells to replace red blood cells in circulation.

Answer: (A)