Question

Before administering sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate) to a patient with hyperkalemia, the nurse should assess the

a. blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine.
b. blood glucose level.
c. patient's bowel sounds.
d. level of consciousness (LOC).

Answer 1

Before administering sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate) to a patient with hyperkalemia, the nurse should assess the blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels. Assessing the blood glucose level, patient's bowel sounds, and level of consciousness (LOC) is also important.

Step-by-step explanation:

Before administering sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate) to a patient with hyperkalemia, the nurse should assess the blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels. Both BUN and creatinine are indicators of renal function. In patients with hyperkalemia, impaired kidney function can cause potassium levels to rise, so it is important to assess renal function before administering any medication.

Assessing the blood glucose level is also important because hyperkalemia can be associated with conditions like uncontrolled diabetes, and elevated blood glucose levels can contribute to electrolyte imbalances.

The patient's bowel sounds should also be assessed because sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate) is given to patients with hyperkalemia to remove excess potassium through the GI tract. If the patient has absent or diminished bowel sounds, it may affect the effectiveness of the medication.

The level of consciousness (LOC) should be assessed in all patients, as it is an important indicator of their overall condition and any potential neurological complications that could be present.