Final answer:
Do not use Kayexalate if a patient has absent bowel sounds. It is intended to treat hyperkalemia but can cause complications if bowels are not moving properly.
Step-by-step explanation:
You should not use Kayexalate if a patient has absent bowel sounds. Kayexalate, also known as sodium polystyrene sulfonate, is used to treat hyperkalemia (high levels of potassium in the blood). However, it's essential to ensure that the patient's bowels are moving properly, as using this medication in the presence of an intestinal obstruction or significant motility issues could result in serious complications, including bowel necrosis.
Before administering Kayexalate, a medical professional should perform a thorough physical examination to check for bowel sounds, which can indicate intestinal motility. If sounds are absent, it may suggest a potential obstruction or ileus, in which case this medication should be avoided, and alternate methods of treating hyperkalemia should be considered.