A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who received a dose of sodium polystyrene sulfonate.
Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an indication that the medication has been effective?
A.
Potassium 4.6 mEq/L.
B.
Calcium 8 mg/dL.
C.
Magnesium.1 mEq/L.
D.
Sodium 150 mEq/L.
The correct answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is:
A. Potassium 4.6 mEq/L
Explanation:
Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate) is a medication used to treat hyperkalemia, a condition in which there is an abnormally high level of potassium in the blood. This drug works by exchanging sodium ions for potassium ions in the intestines, leading to the elimination of excess potassium through the stool. The primary goal of administering sodium polystyrene sulfonate is to reduce elevated potassium levels to within the normal range (3.5-5.0 mEq/L).
Understanding Each Option:
- Option A: Potassium 4.6 mEq/L
Normal potassium levels range from 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L. Since the client’s potassium level has decreased to 4.6 mEq/L, this is within the normal range, indicating that the sodium polystyrene sulfonate has been effective in reducing hyperkalemia. This is the expected therapeutic outcome. - Option B: Calcium 8 mg/dL
The normal range for calcium is typically between 8.5 and 10.5 mg/dL. While this value is slightly below normal, calcium levels are not the target of sodium polystyrene sulfonate therapy. Therefore, this does not indicate the effectiveness of the medication. - Option C: Magnesium 1 mEq/L
The normal magnesium range is 1.5 to 2.5 mEq/L. A magnesium level of 1 mEq/L is below the normal range, but sodium polystyrene sulfonate does not directly affect magnesium levels. Therefore, this is not a relevant finding for determining medication effectiveness. - Option D: Sodium 150 mEq/L
The normal sodium range is 135 to 145 mEq/L. A sodium level of 150 mEq/L indicates hypernatremia, a condition of elevated sodium levels. While sodium polystyrene sulfonate contains sodium, the primary goal is to lower potassium levels, not to raise sodium levels. This finding does not indicate therapeutic effectiveness and may even suggest a side effect of the medication.
Thus, Option A (Potassium 4.6 mEq/L) is the best indicator that the sodium polystyrene sulfonate has been effective in treating hyperkalemia.