The nurse is administering sodium polystyrene sulfonate to a client in acute kidney injury (AKI). Which laboratory finding indicates that the medication has been effective? Reference Range: Glucose [74 to 106 mg/dL (4.1 to 5.9 mmol/L) Hemoglobin (14 to 18 g/dL (140 to 180 g/L) Potassium [3.5 to 5 mEq/L (3.5 to 5 mmol/L) Ammonia [10 to 80 μg/dL (6 to 47 μmol/dL)]

A. Serum potassium level of 3.8 mEq/L (3.8 mmol/L): Sodium polystyrene sulfonate is given to treat hyperkalemia by exchanging sodium for potassium in the intestines, promoting potassium elimination. A potassium level within the normal range (3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L) indicates that the medication has effectively lowered dangerously high potassium levels. B. Serum ammonia level of 30 μg/dL (17.62 μmol/dL): Although a normal ammonia level is important for metabolic balance, sodium polystyrene sulfonate does not target ammonia levels. Changes in ammonia are more relevant to liver function issues, not potassium regulation or AKI management. C. Hemoglobin level of 13.5 g/dL (135 g/L): Hemoglobin levels are important for evaluating anemia, especially in clients with kidney disease, but sodium polystyrene sulfonate does not affect hemoglobin. This value would not demonstrate the drug’s effectiveness. D. Serum glucose level of 120 mg/dL (6.7 mmol/L): Elevated glucose could be concerning in clients with diabetes or metabolic disorders but is unrelated to the action of sodium polystyrene sulfonate. Glucose levels are not used to assess the effectiveness of this medication.