Which represents acute treatment options to lower potassium in a patient with CKD?

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Multiple Choice

Which represents acute treatment options to lower potassium in a patient with CKD?

In acute hyperkalemia with CKD, the priority is to protect the heart and rapidly lower potassium. Calcium gluconate is given first to stabilize the cardiac myocytes and reduce the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias, buying time while potassium is being shifted. To move potassium from the blood into cells, insulin carried with glucose is used, and a beta-2 agonist such as albuterol can further promote cellular uptake of potassium. If the hyperkalemia is not controlled quickly or is severe, renal replacement therapy (dialysis) is used to remove potassium from the body. Meanwhile, restricting potassium intake helps prevent further rises. Observing without intervention is inappropriate because hyperkalemia can cause dangerous arrhythmias. A high-potassium diet would worsen the problem, not help. Relying on thiazide diuretics without monitoring is not reliable for rapid correction in an acute CKD scenario.

In acute hyperkalemia with CKD, the priority is to protect the heart and rapidly lower potassium. Calcium gluconate is given first to stabilize the cardiac myocytes and reduce the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias, buying time while potassium is being shifted. To move potassium from the blood into cells, insulin carried with glucose is used, and a beta-2 agonist such as albuterol can further promote cellular uptake of potassium. If the hyperkalemia is not controlled quickly or is severe, renal replacement therapy (dialysis) is used to remove potassium from the body. Meanwhile, restricting potassium intake helps prevent further rises.

Observing without intervention is inappropriate because hyperkalemia can cause dangerous arrhythmias. A high-potassium diet would worsen the problem, not help. Relying on thiazide diuretics without monitoring is not reliable for rapid correction in an acute CKD scenario.

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