ATI Comprehensive Exit Exam Related

Review ATI Comprehensive Exit Exam related questions and content

A nurse is caring for a client who has chronic kidney disease and a serum potassium level of 6.5 mEq/L. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

  • A. Administer sodium bicarbonate
  • B. Administer sodium polystyrene sulfonate
  • C. Administer calcium gluconate
  • D. Administer calcium carbonate
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take is to administer sodium polystyrene sulfonate. This medication promotes potassium excretion and helps lower serum potassium levels in clients with hyperkalemia, which is indicated by a high potassium level. Sodium bicarbonate (choice A) is not used to treat hyperkalemia. Calcium gluconate (choice C) and calcium carbonate (choice D) are used to manage hyperkalemia by stabilizing cell membranes but are not the initial treatment choice for lowering potassium levels.