A patient who has a potassium level of 5.9 mEq/L will be given oral polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate). What nursing actions are necessary?

Question

1. Monitor for onset of action of this drug in an hour.
2. Administer sorbitol concurrently.
3. Repeat the dose in 4 hours if needed.
4. Mix the dose with a high sugar liquid.
5. Follow the dose with an enema.

Answer 1

1,2,3
Rationale 1: Polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate) has an onset of action of 1 hour.
Rationale 2: Sorbitol or another laxative is administered concurrently to promote rapid evacuation of potassium.
Rationale 3: The dose may be repeated in 4 hours if indicated.
Rationale 4: There is no need to mix the dose with a high sugar liquid.
Rationale 5: This drug may be given rectally, but there is no indication to use both routes of delivery.

Global Rationale: Polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate) has an onset of action of 1 hour. Sorbitol or another laxative is administered concurrently to promote rapid evacuation of potassium. The dose may be repeated in 4 hours if indicated. There is no need to mix the dose with a high sugar liquid. This drug may be given rectally, but there is no indication to use both routes of delivery.