A client with acute renal injury (AKI) weighs 110.3 pounds (50 kg) and has a potassium level of 6.7 mEq/L (6.7 mmol/L) is admitted to the hospital. Which prescribed medication should the nurse administer first?
Reference Range:
Potassium [3.5 to 5 mEq/L (3.5 to 5 mmol/L)]
Sodium polystyrene sulfonate 15 grams by mouth.
Sevelamer one tablet by mouth.
Calcium acetate one tablet by mouth.
Epoetin alfa, recombinant 2,500 units subcutaneously.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Sodium polystyrene sulfonate is a medication that binds to excess potassium in the gastrointestinal tract and removes it from the body through feces. It is used to treat hyperkalemia, which is a high level of potassium in the blood. Hyperkalemia can cause cardiac arrhythmias and muscle weakness, and it is a common complication of AKI. Therefore, this medication should be administered first to lower the potassium level and prevent life-threatening complications.

Choice B reason: Sevelamer is a medication that binds to phosphorus in the gastrointestinal tract and removes it from the body through feces. It is used to treat hyperphosphatemia, which is a high level of phosphorus in the blood. Hyperphosphatemia can cause bone loss and soft tissue calcification, and it is a common complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, it is not an urgent issue in AKI, and it does not affect the potassium level.
Choice C reason: Calcium acetate is a medication that also binds to phosphorus in the gastrointestinal tract and removes it from the body through feces. It has the same effect and indication as sevelamer, but it also provides calcium supplementation. However, it is not an urgent issue in AKI, and it does not affect the potassium level.
Choice D reason: Epoetin alfa, recombinant is a medication that stimulates the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow. It is used to treat anemia, which is a low level of hemoglobin or red blood cells in the blood. Anemia can cause fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath, and it is a common complication of CKD and AKI. However, it is not an urgent issue in AKI, and it does not affect the potassium level.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"B"},"B":{"answers":"A"},"C":{"answers":"A"},"D":{"answers":"A"},"E":{"answers":"B"},"F":{"answers":"A"}}
Explanation
Choice A reason: Place the client in a room near the elevator: This does **not** promote client safety, because it exposes the client to more noise and disturbance, which can increase stress and blood pressure. A quiet and calm environment is preferable for stroke clients.
Choice B reason: Complete a swallow study before giving anything by mouth: This **promotes** client safety, because it assesses the client's ability to swallow and prevent aspiration. Stroke clients may have impaired swallowing due to facial weakness or sensory loss.
Choice C reason: Provide a call button kept within reach: This **promotes** client safety, because it allows the client to communicate their needs and request assistance when needed. Stroke clients may have limited mobility or vision, which can increase their risk of falls or injuries.
Choice D reason: Initiate use of the bed alarm: This **promotes** client safety, because it alerts the staff if the client tries to get out of bed without assistance. Stroke clients may have impaired judgment or balance, which can lead to falls or accidents.
Choice E reason: Place client belongings out of reach: This does **not** promote client safety, because it makes the client feel frustrated and helpless. Stroke clients may have difficulty reaching for their belongings due to hemiparesis or hemiplegia, which can affect their self-care and independence. The nurse should place the client's belongings within reach on their unaffected side and encourage them to use them as much as possible.
Choice F reason: Instruct the client to call before getting up: This **promotes** client safety, because it ensures that the client has adequate support and supervision when getting up. Stroke clients may have orthostatic hypotension, which can cause dizziness or fainting when changing positions. The nurse should assist the client to get up slowly and monitor their vital signs.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A: A headache rated at 0 on 0 to 10 scale is not a specific indicator of the effectiveness of an antihistamine. A headache may be caused by other factors, such as dehydration, stress, or sinus congestion.
Choice B: Oxygen saturation level of 99% is a normal finding and does not reflect the effect of an antihistamine. Oxygen saturation measures the amount of oxygen in the blood and can be affected by respiratory conditions, altitude, or smoking.
Choice C: Ambulating easily without vertigo is a sign that the antihistamine is effective. Vertigo is a common symptom of Ménière's disease, which is a disorder of the inner ear that causes episodes of spinning sensation, hearing loss, and tinnitus. Antihistamines can help reduce the fluid buildup in the inner ear and relieve vertigo.
Choice D: Blood pressure of 120/80 mm Hg is a normal finding and does not indicate the effect of an antihistamine. Blood pressure measures the force of blood against the walls of the arteries and can be influenced by factors such as heart rate, cardiac output, blood volume, and vascular resistance.

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
