The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient with a Potassium

The nurse is caring for a patient with a potassium level of 5.9 mEq/L. The healthcare provider prescribes both glucose and insulin for the patient. The patient's spouse asks, "Why is insulin needed? " Which response by the nurse is the most appropriate?

A) "The insulin will help his kidneys excrete the extra potassium."
B) "The insulin is safer than other medications that can lower potassium levels."
C) "The insulin lowers his blood sugar levels, and this is how the extra potassium is excreted."
D) "The insulin will cause his extra potassium to move into his cells, which will lower potassium in the blood."