Certified Pediatric Nurse Exam Practice Questions Related

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If a patient has severe hyperkalemia, it is possible to administer calcium gluconate intravenously to:

  • A. Immediately lower the potassium level by
  • B. Prevent transient renal failure (TRF)
  • C. Accomplish all of the above
  • D. Antagonize the action of K on the heart
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Calcium gluconate is administered intravenously in the setting of severe hyperkalemia to antagonize the effects of potassium on the heart. Hyperkalemia can lead to dangerous cardiac arrhythmias due to the changes in membrane potential of cardiac cells caused by increased extracellular potassium levels. Administration of calcium gluconate helps stabilize the cardiac cell membrane potential, protecting against the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias. It doesn't provide an immediate decrease in serum potassium levels (Choice A) or prevent transient renal failure (TRF) (Choice B). Therefore, the correct answer is D, as calcium gluconate primarily acts to counteract the effects of hyperkalemia on the heart.