The client has a potassium level of 5.9 mEq/L. The nurse is administering glucose and insulin. The client's wife says, "He doesn't have diabetes, why is he getting insulin"? What is the best response by the nurse?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Insulin helps to lower potassium levels by causing the extra potassium to move from the bloodstream into the cells. This is a common treatment for hyperkalemia (high potassium levels) regardless of whether the patient has diabetes.

The Client Has a Potassium Level of 5