The nurse is caring for a patient with renal failure who has a serum potassium level of 7.1 mEq/L and serum magnesium level of 3.5 mEq/L. The nurse prepares to administer 10 units of insulin and an ampule of 50% dextrose to the patient. The patient asks why he will be receiving insulin when he is not diabetic. What is the nurse's best answer?
A) "The doctor has prescribed these medications for you to help heal your kidneys."
B) "These medications will lower your potassium level and prevent an irregular heart rate."
C) "These medications will prevent you from having a seizure from too little magnesium."
D) "These medications will increase your urine output until your kidneys recover."

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Serum potassium levels above 7.0 mEq/L can lead to dangerous cardiac arrhythmias, so the potassium level must be lowered promptly. Administration of IV insulin with 50% dextrose will push potassium into the cells to avoid hyperkalemia symptoms.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient with Renal Failure