HESI Medical Surgical Assignment Exam Related

Review HESI Medical Surgical Assignment Exam related questions and content

The provider has ordered Kayexalate and sorbitol to be administered to a patient. The nurse caring for this patient would expect which serum electrolyte values prior to administration of this therapy?

  • A. Sodium 125 mEq/L and potassium 2.5 mEq/L
  • B. Sodium 150 mEq/L and potassium 3.6 mEq/L
  • C. Sodium 135 mEq/L and potassium 6.9 mEq/L
  • D. Sodium 148 mEq/L and potassium 5.5 mEq/L
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Severe hyperkalemia, with a potassium level of 6.9 mEq/L, requires aggressive treatment with Kayexalate and sorbitol to increase the body's excretion of potassium. The normal range for serum potassium is 3.5 to 5.5 mEq/L, so patients with the other potassium levels would not be treated aggressively or would need potassium supplementation. Therefore, option C (Sodium 135 mEq/L and potassium 6.9 mEq/L) is the correct choice as it indicates severe hyperkalemia warranting the administration of Kayexalate and sorbitol. Options A, B, and D have either potassium levels within normal limits, which would not necessitate this aggressive treatment, or potassium levels that are lower than what would typically prompt the need for Kayexalate and sorbitol.