Question

"Your adult patient is showing signs and symptoms of being severely hyperkalemic. Medical control recommends the administration of a high-dose nebulized albuterol treatment as well as calcium chloride. Why is high-dose albuterol being recommended for this patient?

A. To improve the patient's ventilatory status

B. To assist with metabolic acidosis

C. To increase the amount of available calcium at the cellular level

D. To help lower dangerous potassium levels"

Answer 1

The high-dose nebulized albuterol treatment is recommended to help lower dangerous potassium levels.

Step-by-step explanation:

The high-dose nebulized albuterol treatment is recommended for this patient to help lower dangerous potassium levels (Option D). Albuterol is a bronchodilator commonly used to treat asthma, but it also affects potassium levels. It acts on beta-2 receptors in the body, including those in the heart and skeletal muscles. Activation of these receptors leads to the movement of potassium into cells, which helps lower the potassium levels in the blood.