The nurse is preparing to give a dose of calcium acetate to a client with chronic kidney disease. Which laboratory result should the nurse monitor to determine if the desired effect was achieved?

Rationale: A. Potassium is not the primary laboratory value affected by calcium acetate. While clients with chronic kidney disease are at risk for hyperkalemia, calcium acetate is a phosphate binder and does not directly lower potassium levels, so monitoring potassium would not reflect the drug’s desired effect. B. Phosphorus is the correct laboratory value to monitor. Calcium acetate binds dietary phosphorus in the gastrointestinal tract, reducing its absorption and helping to lower serum phosphorus levels. Monitoring phosphorus allows the nurse to determine whether the medication is achieving its intended effect of controlling hyperphosphatemia in clients with chronic kidney disease. C. Sodium is not impacted by calcium acetate administration. The drug’s mechanism targets phosphate binding, not sodium balance, so serum sodium levels would not reflect its effectiveness. D. Magnesium is not the primary focus of calcium acetate therapy. Although magnesium can be affected in chronic kidney disease, calcium acetate does not significantly alter magnesium levels, and monitoring magnesium would not assess the drug’s intended phosphate-lowering effect.