The nurse is caring for a patient with acute kidney injury. The nurse would expect that IV regular insulin and glucose, sodium bicarbonate, and IV calcium gluconate will be used to treat what complication of acute kidney injury?

A. Hyperkalemia: Acute kidney injury (AKI) impairs renal excretion of potassium, leading to dangerous elevations in serum potassium. IV regular insulin with glucose shifts potassium into cells temporarily, lowering serum levels. Sodium bicarbonate can also drive potassium intracellularly by correcting acidosis, and IV calcium gluconate stabilizes cardiac membranes to reduce the risk of arrhythmias. These interventions target the life-threatening hyperkalemia. B. Hypocalcemia: Hypocalcemia is a potential complication of AKI due to phosphate retention, but calcium gluconate alone treats the cardiac effects, not the underlying cause. Insulin, glucose, and sodium bicarbonate are not used to correct low calcium levels. C. Hyperglycemia: Hyperglycemia is not a typical complication of AKI; IV insulin in this context is used for potassium management, not glucose control. The glucose administered alongside insulin prevents hypoglycemia during potassium shifting. D. Hypoglycemia: Hypoglycemia is not commonly associated with AKI. The glucose given is preventive during insulin administration to shift potassium into cells, rather than treatment of existing low blood sugar.