Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 90%
Simulated
Your labs are potassium 6.4, sodium 138, and serum calcium level of 9. Which order from the healthcare provider would the nurse anticipate?
Correct answer
C
Rationale
Kayexalate binds potassium in the gut, facilitating its excretion, effectively lowering serum levels (6.4 mEq/L) in hyperkalemia. Fluid restriction may worsen potassium concentration, neomycin is irrelevant, and sodium chloride with furosemide is less direct than Kayexalate for rapid correction.