The nurse is administering sodium polystyrene sulfonate to a client with acute kidney injury (AKI). Which laboratory finding indicates that the medication has been effective?

Choice A rationaleSodium polystyrene sulfonate is a medication used to treat high levels of potassium in the blood, a condition known as hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia is a common complication of acute kidney injury (AKI). The medication works by exchanging sodium ions for potassium ions in the intestine, which are then excreted from the body. Therefore, a decrease in serum potassium levels to within the normal range (3.5-5.0 mEq/L) would indicate that the medication has been effective.Choice B rationaleHemoglobin levels are not directly affected by sodium polystyrene sulfonate. Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. While it’s an important indicator of overall health, changes in hemoglobin levels would not indicate whether treatment for hyperkalemia is working.Choice C rationaleSodium polystyrene sulfonate does not directly affect glucose levels. While it’s important to monitor glucose levels in patients with kidney disease, changes in glucose would not indicate whether treatment for hyperkalemia is working.Choice D rationaleSodium polystyrene sulfonate does not directly affect ammonia levels. While elevated ammonia levels can occur in certain conditions, such as liver disease, changes in ammonia levels would not indicate whether treatment for hyperkalemia is working.