Question

A client experiencing hyperkalemia is scheduled for dialysis. The nurse anticipates an order for what therapy to help drive potassium back into the cells prior to dialysis?

1) Insulin
2) Potassium supplements
3) Antidiuretic hormone
4) Blood transfusion

Answer 1

For a client with hyperkalemia scheduled for dialysis, insulin is used to drive potassium back into the cells to reduce high serum potassium levels and prevent cardiac complications.

Step-by-step explanation:

In a client experiencing hyperkalemia, the nurse would anticipate an order for insulin as the therapy to help drive potassium back into the cells prior to dialysis. Insulin, along with glucose, helps cells to absorb potassium, which lowers the potassium levels in the blood and extracellular fluid (ECF). This mechanism is particularly useful before dialysis in managing hyperkalemia. Using insulin in this context prevents the complications associated with high serum potassium levels, such as disturbances in cardiac rhythm. This temporary measure allows for safer dialysis by reducing the risk of these complications during the procedure.