A patient who has acute glomerulonephritis is hospitalized with hyperkalemia. Which information will the nurse monitor to evaluate the effectiveness of the prescribed calcium gluconate IV?

A. Cardiac rhythm: Calcium gluconate is administered in hyperkalemia primarily to stabilize cardiac membranes and prevent life-threatening dysrhythmias. Monitoring the cardiac rhythm allows the nurse to evaluate the immediate effectiveness of the medication in reducing the risk of arrhythmias caused by elevated potassium levels. B. Neurologic status: While hyperkalemia can cause muscle weakness or paresthesia, calcium gluconate does not lower serum potassium levels and therefore has minimal direct impact on neurologic symptoms. Monitoring neurologic status is important but not the primary measure of effectiveness. C. Urine volume: Calcium gluconate does not promote potassium excretion or diuresis. Monitoring urine output is essential for overall renal function assessment but does not reflect the immediate cardiac-protective effect of the drug. D. Calcium level: Although calcium gluconate raises serum calcium temporarily, the dose given for hyperkalemia does not significantly alter laboratory calcium levels. The clinical focus is on cardiac membrane stabilization rather than correcting hypocalcemia.