A 22-year-old dialysis patient presents to the ER with chest pain and palpitations. Laboratory tests reveal a Potassium (K+) level of 7.0 mEq/L. Which electrolyte imbalance is the patient suffering from?

A. 0.9% sodium chloride (normal saline) is isotonic, meaning it has the same concentration of solutes as blood plasma. It is used to expand intravascular volume and replace fluids and electrolytes.

B. "Hypnotic" refers to medications that induce sleep and has no relevance to IV solutions. This term does not apply to IV solutions.

C. A hypotonic solution has a lower concentration of solutes compared to normal body fluids. Examples include 0.45% sodium chloride (half-normal saline) or 5% dextrose in water (D5W). 0.9% sodium chloride (normal saline) is not hypotonic; rather, it is isotonic.

D. A hypertonic solution has a higher concentration of solutes compared to normal body fluids. Examples include 3% sodium chloride or 5% dextrose in 0.9% sodium chloride. 0.9% sodium chloride (normal saline) is not hypertonic; rather, it is isotonic.

B. Sucralfate should be taken on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before meals or 2 hours after meals, to maximize its effectiveness. Food can interfere with its ability to coat the stomach lining.

A. Constipation is a common side effect of sucralfate, but it does not typically require discontinuation of the medication. Instead, clients are often advised to manage constipation with dietary fiber, fluids, and sometimes mild laxatives if necessary.

C. Antacids can interfere with sucralfate by altering its pH-dependent activation and should not be taken simultaneously. If antacids are necessary for symptom relief, they should be taken at least 30 minutes before or after sucralfate.

D. There is no specific instruction to remain upright after taking sucralfate