A patient with a history of renal calculi has progressively lost renal function and is admitted to the unit with a diagnosis of chronic renal failure. The physician has prescribed polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate)
Which of the following is the best reason to use this drug in renal failure?
A) To lower serum phosphate levels
B) To correct acidosis
C) To lower serum potassium levels
D) To prevent constipation from sorbitol use
Ans: C
Feedback: In renal failure, patients become hyperkalemic because they can't excrete potassium in urine. Polystyrene sulfonate provides the mechanism for potassium excretion by pulling potassium into the bowels and exchanging it for sodium. The potassium is then excreted in the feces. Phosphate binders, such as aluminum hydroxide gel, are given to lower phosphate levels. Diet changes, sodium bicarbonate, or dialysis might be used to help control acidosis. Polystyrene sulfonate is itself constipating and must be given with a laxative such as sorbitol.
You might also like to view...
A nurse is caring for a homeless patient and tells the manager, "I will make sure he doesn't steal food from our nourishment center." What action by the manager is best?
a. Tell the nurse she is right to monitor the patient's activity. b. Inform the nurse that not all homeless people will steal. c. Educate the nurse that hunger might make the patient steal. d. Remind the nurse to initiate a social work consultation.
Which is a source for standards of care?
a. Textbooks b. Social media c. The nurse's directions d. Blogs
A client has been working hard in rehabilitation following a traumatic brain injury. She has a weak support system in that her family lives a far distance away and her coworkers are not involved
On which behavior-specific cognitions should the nurse focus to assist this client with success in the rehabilitation program? 1. Situational influences 2. Perceived benefits of action 3. Perceived barriers to action 4. Interpersonal influences
The nurse stressed to the oncology patient the importance of returning to the outpatient clinic promptly at 8 AM for the next treatment. The client arrived at 3 PM. What was the most probable explanation for the client's tardiness?
A. The client needed the appointment written down so the client could remember the exact time. B. The client's employment had to come first, so the clinic visit was second in priority. C. The client's perception of time was not linear or future oriented. D. The client was having too much discomfort from the treatment to have another treatment so soon.