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 pg/dL (6 to 47 μmol/dL)]

A. Serum ammonia level of 30 μg/dl (17.62 μmol/dL): Sodium polystyrene sulfonate is used to treat hyperkalemia by exchanging sodium ions for potassium ions in the intestine. It does not affect serum ammonia levels, which are more relevant in cases of liver dysfunction or urea cycle disorders. Thus, this finding does not indicate the effectiveness of the medication. B. Hemoglobin level of 13.5 g/dL (135 g/L): Hemoglobin levels are related to anemia or blood disorders and are not directly affected by sodium polystyrene sulfonate. This lab result would not indicate the effectiveness of the medication in managing potassium levels. C. Serum potassium level of 3.8 mEq/L (3.8 mmol/L): Sodium polystyrene sulfonate is specifically used to lower elevated potassium levels. A serum potassium level within the normal range (3.5 to 5 mEq/L) indicates that the medication has been effective in reducing hyperkalemia, which is the primary goal of treatment with this drug. D. Serum glucose level of 120 mg/dL (6.7 mmol/L): While glucose levels are important for overall metabolic management, they are not directly impacted by sodium polystyrene sulfonate. This result would not reflect the effectiveness of the medication in treating elevated potassium levels in acute kidney injury.