Which option lists the common signs or symptoms of anemia in CKD?

• A. Pallor, shortness of breath, and tachycardia
• B. Shortness of breath and fatigue
• C. Fatigue and pallor only
• D. Fatigue, pallor, and shortness of breath

Answer: (D)

In CKD-related anemia, the reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood leads to common symptoms from tissues not getting enough oxygen: fatigue from lower energy production, pallor from decreased hemoglobin, and shortness of breath due to reduced oxygen delivery during activity. Each of these signs reflects the same underlying problem—insufficient oxygen delivery to tissues—and together they form the typical presentation. The option that includes fatigue, pallor, and shortness of breath best represents the common signs, whereas the other choices omit one of these key symptoms. Tachycardia can occur, but it’s not as consistently evident as the three core signs listed.