Questions and Answers
What is the therapeutic class of Kayexalate?
What is the pharmacotherapeutics of Kayexalate?
Potassium-removing resin used in treating hyperkalemia
What is the pharmacokinetics of Kayexalate?
The drug is not absorbed systemically and is excreted through the GI tract.
What is the mechanism of action of Kayexalate?
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What are the contraindications for Kayexalate?
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What are the adverse effects of Kayexalate?
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What drug interactions should be noted with Kayexalate?
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What are the core patient variables to monitor when administering Kayexalate?
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What are the strategies for maximizing therapeutic effects of Kayexalate?
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How can adverse effects of Kayexalate be minimized?
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What patient/family education should be provided regarding Kayexalate?
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What ongoing assessment is needed when using Kayexalate?
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What are the nursing diagnoses/outcomes for Kayexalate?
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Study Notes
Kayexalate (Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate) Overview
- Therapeutic class: Potassium-Removing Resins designed to manage hyperkalemia.
- Administered for treating high potassium levels in the body, a condition known as hyperkalemia.
Pharmacotherapeutics
- Effectively lowers serum potassium without causing systemic absorption.
- Primarily excreted via the gastrointestinal tract, indicating minimal systemic effect.
Mechanism of Action
- Functions by exchanging sodium ions for potassium ions within the gastrointestinal tract, facilitating potassium removal.
Contraindications
- Caution required for patients who may not tolerate increased sodium intake due to the medication's composition.
Adverse Effects
- Potential side effects include hypokalemia, various electrolyte imbalances, and gastrointestinal issues such as gastric irritation, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, and constipation.
Drug Interactions
- Co-administration with non-absorbable cation-donating antacids or laxatives (e.g., magnesium hydroxide, aluminum carbonate) may lead to systemic alkalosis.
Core Patient Variables
- Regular monitoring of serum potassium levels is crucial (normal range: 3.5 - 5.2 mEq/L).
- Consider the patient's age and dietary habits.
- Typically administered in a hospital setting due to monitoring needs.
Maximizing Therapeutic Effects
- A cleansing enema should be performed to prepare the GI tract before administration.
- Oral formulations should be mixed with water or syrup to improve taste and acceptability.
Minimizing Adverse Effects
- In cases of severely elevated potassium, alternative methods should be utilized to manage levels effectively.
Patient/Family Education
- Patients should be informed about therapeutic effects and potential adverse reactions.
- Importance of regular blood tests to track electrolyte levels should be emphasized.
- Signs of hypokalemia (muscle weakness, fatigue) warrant immediate medical attention.
- Advised to follow a low sodium diet and avoid high-potassium foods (e.g., melons, bananas, orange juice, potatoes).
- Patients should report any constipation experienced during treatment.
Ongoing Assessment
- Continuous monitoring of serum electrolytes is essential to ensure safety and effectiveness of therapy.
Nursing Diagnosis/Outcomes
- Identify risk for constipation as a potential side effect, implementing preventive measures (e.g., administering sorbitol if needed).
- Aim for potassium levels to return to normal, monitoring outcomes closely throughout treatment.
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Description
Test your knowledge on Kayexalate, a potassium-removing resin. This set of flashcards covers key concepts including its therapeutic class, pharmacotherapeutics, and mechanism of action. Perfect for students and healthcare professionals alike!