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. Hemoglobin level of 13.5 g/dL (135 g/L): Sodium polystyrene sulfonate is used to manage hyperkalemia, not to affect hemoglobin levels. While a hemoglobin level of 13.5 g/dL is within the normal range, it does not indicate the effectiveness of sodium polystyrene sulfonate. B. Serum ammonia level of 30 μg/dL (17.62 μmol/dL): Sodium polystyrene sulfonate is not used to manage ammonia levels; it is used to lower elevated potassium levels. Thus, a serum ammonia level of 30 μg/dL does not reflect the effectiveness of the medication. C. Serum potassium level of 3.8 mEq/L (3.8 mmol/L): Sodium polystyrene sulfonate is specifically used to treat hyperkalemia (high potassium levels). A serum potassium level of 3.8 mEq/L is within the normal range, indicating that the medication has effectively reduced elevated potassium levels. D. Serum glucose level of 120 mg/dL (6.7 mmol/L): Sodium polystyrene sulfonate does not affect glucose levels. A glucose level of 120 mg/dL is slightly elevated but unrelated to the effectiveness of the potassium-lowering medication.