An expected response to sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate) is:
A . Increase in serum magnesium
B . Increase in serum HCO3
C . Decrease in serum potassium
D . Decrease in serum calcium
Answer: C
Explanation:
(A) Sodium polystyrene sulfonate administration will not increase serum magnesium. Hypermagnesemia is virtually unknown except for clients in renal failure.
(B) Sodium polystyrene sulfonate administration is not known to increase serum bicarbonate.
(C) Decrease in serum potassium, the expected response of sodium polystyrene sulfonate, is secondary to the binding of this drug and potassium in the colon, and potassium is removed through the feces.
(D) Serum calcium may actually increase with sodium polystyrene sulfonate administration, especially if calcium chloride is administered concurrently with this drug.