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
Explanation
Choice A reason: Weight gain of 2 pounds (0.91 kg) in one day is a sign of fluid retention, which occurs in SIADH due to excessive secretion of antidiuretic hormone (ADH). ADH causes the kidneys to reabsorb water and reduce urine output, leading to hyponatremia and hypervolemia.
Choice B reason: Fremitus over the chest wall is a sign of increased vibration or air movement in the lungs, which can indicate pneumonia, bronchitis, or pleural effusion. These are not related to SIADH, but may be complications of head injury or fluid overload.
Choice C reason: Serum sodium of 150 mEq/L (150 mmol/L) is a sign of hypernatremia, which is a high level of sodium in the blood. This is the opposite of what happens in SIADH, where sodium levels are low due to dilution by excess water.
Choice D reason: Urine specific gravity of 1.004 is a sign of diluted urine, which indicates low concentration of solutes in the urine. This is also the opposite of what happens in SIADH, where urine is concentrated and has a high specific gravity.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is incorrect because sleeping with the head ofthe bed flat can worsen OSA by allowing gravity to pull down on the soft tissues ofthe throat and obstructing airflow.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because taking sedatives prior to sleep can also worsen OSA by relaxing the muscles ofthe upper airway and increasing airway collapse.
Choice C reason: This is correct because beginning a weight loss program can help reduce OSA by decreasing fat deposits around the neck and chest that can compress and narrow the airway.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect because drinking 1to 2 glasses of wine at bedtime can have similar effects as sedatives, such as relaxing the muscles ofthe upper airway and impairing the respiratory drive.
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