Pediatric ATI Practice Exam

What finding indicates the effectiveness of sodium polystyrene sulfonate in an adolescent?

1. Reports an absence of nausea and vomiting.

2. Reports experiencing an onset of loose stools within 15 min of administration.

3. Serum potassium level 4.1 mEq/L.

4. Blood pressure 86/52 mm Hg.

The correct answer is: Serum potassium level 4.1 mEq/L.

The effectiveness of sodium polystyrene sulfonate, which is commonly used to treat hyperkalemia by facilitating the excretion of potassium from the body, is best indicated by a serum potassium level that falls within the normal range. A serum potassium level of 4.1 mEq/L suggests that the treatment has successfully lowered elevated potassium levels to a safe and normal range. In the context of treating hyperkalemia, maintaining normal potassium levels is critical, as both high and low levels can have significant health implications, including cardiac complications. Therefore, when evaluating the effectiveness of sodium polystyrene sulfonate, the primary goal is to decrease serum potassium levels, and a result within the normal limits directly confirms the drug's efficacy. The other options may reflect outcomes or experiences related to treatment but do not provide definitive evidence of the drug's effectiveness in managing potassium levels. For example, the absence of nausea and vomiting (first option) suggests that the patient might be tolerating the treatment well but does not indicate a change in potassium levels. The onset of loose stools (second option) can occur as a side effect of the medication, but without confirming potassium levels, it does not provide a measure of treatment effectiveness. The blood pressure reading (four