A patient reports leg pain that awakens the patient at night.
The patient reports that the same pain develops in the legs when they are elevated and disappears when the legs are dangled.
Which condition would the nurse suspect?

Choice B rationale:

A decrease in plasma renin levels is not a known cause of primary hypertension. Primary hypertension often has no identifiable cause, and it is a diagnosis of exclusion.

Choice C rationale:

Too much plaque in the blood vessels describes atherosclerosis, which is a risk factor for hypertension but not the direct cause of primary hypertension. Plaque buildup narrows arteries and increases resistance, contributing to elevated blood pressure.

Choice D rationale:

Kidney disease can cause secondary hypertension but is not the most common cause of primary hypertension. Primary hypertension, also known as essential hypertension, is the most common form, and its exact cause remains unknown in many cases.

Choice A rationale:

A low level of hepcidin would not cause a decrease in hemoglobin levels. Hepcidin regulates iron homeostasis by inhibiting the absorption of iron from the intestines and promoting its storage in cells.

Choice B rationale:

An increase in iron-binding capacity typically occurs in conditions like iron deficiency anemia, where the body tries to increase its capacity to transport iron. This would not cause a low hemoglobin level in an otherwise healthy individual.

Choice C rationale:

Aging often leads to a decrease in the efficiency of nutrient absorption, including iron. This decrease in intestinal absorption of iron can result in low hemoglobin levels in elderly individuals. It's a common cause of anemia in the elderly population.

Choice D rationale:

Erythropoietin is a hormone produced by the kidneys that stimulates the production of red blood cells. A decrease in erythropoietin secretion from the kidneys would lead to anemia, but it is not a typical effect of aging and is usually associated with kidney disease.