Moderate

A patient with severe hyperkalaemia receives regular insulin with dextrose. What is the main purpose of this treatment?

Correct answer: A. To move potassium temporarily into cells

  • A. To move potassium temporarily into cells
  • B. To remove potassium permanently in the urine
  • C. To replace potassium lost from the bloodstream
  • D. To prevent calcium absorption from the intestine

Explanation

Insulin drives potassium from the extracellular fluid into cells, while dextrose prevents hypoglycaemia. This lowers serum potassium temporarily but does not remove total body potassium, so further treatment may be required.

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About Nutrition, Fluids and Electrolytes

Coverage includes nutrients and balanced diets, therapeutic feeding, enteral and parenteral nutrition, intake and output, dehydration, fluid overload and fluid balance calculations. Questions also examine sodium, potassium, calcium and chloride disturbances, their signs and nursing care, while distinguishing enteral feeding through the gastrointestinal tract from parenteral nutrition.

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