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 used to treat hyperkalemia by exchanging sodium for potassium in the intestines, leading to potassium excretion. A potassium value within the normal range indicates that the medication has effectively lowered elevated potassium levels. B. Hemoglobin level of 13.5 g/dL (135 g/L): While hemoglobin is important for assessing oxygen-carrying capacity, it is not directly affected by sodium polystyrene sulfonate therapy. This value does not measure the drug’s effectiveness. C. Serum ammonia level of 30 μg/dL (17.62 μmol/dL): Ammonia levels are related to liver function and certain metabolic conditions. Sodium polystyrene sulfonate does not act on ammonia levels, so this finding is unrelated to evaluating its therapeutic effect. D. Serum glucose level of 120 mg/dL (6.7 mmol/L): Blood glucose changes are not a direct effect of sodium polystyrene sulfonate. This value may reflect diet, diabetes control, or other factors, but it does not assess the drug’s intended outcome.