Nurse Ethel is planning to administer a sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate) enema to a client with a potassium level of 5.9 mEq/L. Correct administration and the effects of this enema would include having the client:
a. retain the enema for 30 minutes to allow for sodium exchange; afterward, the client should have diarrhea.
b. retain the enema for 30 minutes to allow for glucose exchange; afterward, the client should have diarrhea.
c. retain the enema for 60 minutes to allow for sodium exchange; diarrhea isn’t necessary to reduce the potassium level.
d. retain the enema for 60 minutes to allow for glucose exchange; diarrhea isn’t necessary to reduce the potassium level.
Answer A.
Kayexalate is a sodium exchange resin. Thus the client will gain sodium as potassium is lost in the bowel. For the exchange to occur, Kayexalate must be in contact with the bowel for at least 30 minutes. Sorbitol in the Kayexalate enema causes diarrhea, which increases potassium loss and decreases the potential for Kayexalate retention.
a. retain the enema for 30 minutes to allow for sodium exchange; afterward, the client should have diarrhea.
b. retain the enema for 30 minutes to allow for glucose exchange; afterward, the client should have diarrhea.
c. retain the enema for 60 minutes to allow for sodium exchange; diarrhea isn’t necessary to reduce the potassium level.
d. retain the enema for 60 minutes to allow for glucose exchange; diarrhea isn’t necessary to reduce the potassium level.
Answer A.
Kayexalate is a sodium exchange resin. Thus the client will gain sodium as potassium is lost in the bowel. For the exchange to occur, Kayexalate must be in contact with the bowel for at least 30 minutes. Sorbitol in the Kayexalate enema causes diarrhea, which increases potassium loss and decreases the potential for Kayexalate retention.
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