The patient's potassium level is 7.0 mEq/L.Besides dialysis,which of the following actually reduces plasma potassium levels and total body potassium content safely in a patient with renal dysfunction?

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Only dialysis and administration of cation exchange resins (sodium polystyrene sulfonate [Kayexalate])actually reduce plasma potassium levels and total body potassium content in a patient with renal dysfunction.In the past,sorbitol has been combined with sodium polystyrene sulfonate powder (Kayexalate)for administration.The concomitant use of sorbitol with Kayexalate has been implicated in cases of colonic intestinal necrosis; therefore,this combination is not recommended.Other treatments,such as administration of regular insulin and calcium gluconate only "protect" the patient for a short time until dialysis or cation exchange resins can be instituted.

The Patient's Potassium Level Is 7