A school-age child with chronic renal failure is admitted to the hospital with a serum potassium level of 5.2 mEq/L.Which prescribed medication should the nurse plan to administer?
A) Spironolactone
B) Sodium polystyrene sulfonate
C) Lactulose
D) Calcium carbonate

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Normal serum potassium levels in a school-age child are 3.5 to 5 mEq/L.Sodium polystyrene sulfonate is administered to reduce serum potassium levels.Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic and should not be used if the serum potassium is elevated.Lactulose is administered to reduce ammonia levels in patients with liver disease.Calcium carbonate may be prescribed as a calcium supplement,but it will not reduce serum potassium levels.

A School-Age Child with Chronic Renal Failure Is Admitted to the Hospital