What should the nurse anticipate after administering sodium polystyrene sulfonate to a patient with hyperkalemia?
Improved kidney function.
Decreased serum potassium levels.
Increased bowel motility.
Elevated serum sodium levels.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Improved kidney function: Sodium polystyrene sulfonate is a cation-exchange resin that works within the gastrointestinal tract and does not have a direct therapeutic effect on the nephrons. While lowering potassium can prevent cardiac complications of renal failure, the drug itself does not reverse underlying kidney pathology. It is a symptomatic treatment for electrolyte imbalance.
B. Decreased serum potassium levels: This medication works by exchanging sodium ions for potassium ions across the intestinal mucosa, which are then excreted in the feces. The primary therapeutic goal is the significant reduction of potentially cardiotoxic extracellular potassium levels. It is a standard intervention for managing non-emergent hyperkalemia.
C. Increased bowel motility: While the drug can sometimes be administered with a laxative to prevent impaction, its primary pharmacological mechanism is ion exchange, not peristaltic stimulation. In some cases, it can actually cause constipation if not managed correctly. Increased motility is a side effect or secondary effect rather than the primary anticipated outcome.
D. Elevated serum sodium levels: Because the resin releases sodium in exchange for potassium, a modest increase in serum sodium can occur as a side effect. However, this is a secondary consequence that the nurse monitors for safety rather than a goal they anticipate as a therapeutic success. The focus remains on the reduction of potassium.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. It only includes invasive procedures: Conventional Western medicine is more likely to utilize invasive surgical procedures as primary treatments for structural or acute issues. Complementary medicine generally favors non-invasive modalities like acupuncture, massage, or herbal support. It seeks to avoid the risks associated with high-intensity surgical interventions.
B. It is based on technology-driven methods: Western medicine relies heavily on advanced diagnostic imaging, laboratory testing, and robotic surgery. Complementary medicine is often "low-tech," prioritizing the therapeutic relationship and manual or natural interventions. It values traditional knowledge and observational wisdom alongside modern science.
C. Emphasizes restoring balance: Complementary medicine often views health as a holistic state of equilibrium between the mind, body, and spirit. It focuses on supporting the body's natural ability to heal itself through non-invasive means. This contrasts with the Western focus on treating specific symptoms or pathogens.
D. It relies on pharmaceutical interventions: The use of synthetic drugs to alter physiological processes is a cornerstone of conventional medical practice. Complementary medicine often seeks to reduce the reliance on pharmaceuticals by using lifestyle changes or natural supplements. It views drugs as one of many possible tools rather than the primary one.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Conducting a new comprehensive medical history:A comprehensive history is part of the initial assessment phase of the nursing process, not the evaluation phase. While new information may emerge, the purpose of evaluation is to measure the response to specific interventions already implemented. It focuses on current outcomes rather than past medical events.
B. Reassessing patient pain level and functionality:Evaluation requires comparing the patient's current status against the established baseline and goals. The nurse must determine if the pain score has decreased and if the patient can now perform essential tasks like deep breathing. This step validates whether the chosen intervention was clinically effective.
C. Administering additional interventions from another category:Implementing new interventions is a part of the planning or implementation phases, not evaluation. Evaluation must occur first to determine if current treatments are failing before new ones are added. Prematurely changing the plan without evaluation leads to fragmented and uncoordinated patient care.
D. Assuring the patient always takes medications consistently:Monitoring medication adherence is an ongoing implementation task rather than an evaluation of the drug's efficacy. Evaluation focuses on the physiological and subjective impact of the drug on the patient's pain. Adherence does not guarantee that the prescribed dose is actually meeting the patient's needs.
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