Practice Question
The nurse is preparing to administer sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate) rectally to a patient with an irregular pulse and weakness of the lower extremities. What laboratory finding does the nurse determine is the reason for this treatment?
Answer Choices:
Correct Answer:
Hyperkalemia.
Rationale:
- Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate) is administered to treat hyperkalemia, a potentially life-threatening electrolyte imbalance characterized by serum potassium levels above 5.0 mEq/L.
- When potassium levels are excessively high, it disrupts cardiac conduction and can lead to dangerous arrhythmias, which may manifest as an irregular pulse and neuromuscular symptoms such as lower extremity weakness.
- Kayexalate works by binding potassium in the colon and facilitating its excretion through the feces.
- In acute situations, rectal administration provides a more immediate route of action.
- Recognizing the association between elevated potassium and cardiac or neuromuscular changes is critical in emergency care settings to prevent cardiac arrest or paralysis.
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This question is from RN ATI Medsurg Final Exam which contains 59 questions.
More Questions from This Exam
A client is admitted to the emergency department with a magnesium level of 1.2 mg/dL. The nurse is aware that a likely cause of the value is which of the following:
Answer Choices:
A. Alcoholism.
B. Dehydration
C. Kidney failure.
D. Excessive magnesium intake.
A client diagnosed with ulcerative colitis is scheduled for a terminal ileostomy. The nurse is aware the stoma will be in what area of the client's abdomen?
Answer Choices:
A. Right lower quadrant.
B. Left lower quadrant.
C. Right upper quadrant.
D. Left upper quadrant.
A nurse is teaching a client who has a hiatal hernia about dietary recommendations. Which of the following client statements indicate an understanding of the teaching? (Select all that apply.)
Answer Choices:
A. I will lie down for one half hour after meals.
B. I will sleep with the head of my bed elevated.
C. I will consume less caffeine and fewer spicy foods.
D. I will try not to gain weight.
E. I will drink less fluid.
The nurse asks a client who is about to have a cardiac catheterization about any allergies. The client states, "I always get a rash when I eat shellfish." Which of the following is the priority nursing action?
Answer Choices:
A. Attach a wrist band indicating the client's allergy
B. Notify the dietary department of the client's allergy.
C. Ask the client if any other foods cause such a reaction.
D. Notify the provider of the client's allergy.
Question Details
- Category: RN Nursing Exam(s)
- Subcategory: ATI Exam(s)
- Domain: RN ATI MedSurg
- Answer Choices: 4