What is the purpose of sodium polystyrene sulfonate?

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Multiple Choice

What is the purpose of sodium polystyrene sulfonate?

Explanation:
Sodium polystyrene sulfonate lowers potassium by acting as a potassium-binding resin in the gut. It exchanges sodium for potassium in the colon, causing potassium to be excreted in the stool. That makes it useful for treating hyperkalemia, not for increasing potassium, lowering blood sugar, or affecting calcium absorption. It’s not a rapid-acting emergency treatment—the effect develops over hours to days—and it can be given orally or as a rectal enema. Also, because it adds sodium, monitor fluid and electrolyte status and be mindful of potential interactions with other oral meds.

Sodium polystyrene sulfonate lowers potassium by acting as a potassium-binding resin in the gut. It exchanges sodium for potassium in the colon, causing potassium to be excreted in the stool. That makes it useful for treating hyperkalemia, not for increasing potassium, lowering blood sugar, or affecting calcium absorption. It’s not a rapid-acting emergency treatment—the effect develops over hours to days—and it can be given orally or as a rectal enema. Also, because it adds sodium, monitor fluid and electrolyte status and be mindful of potential interactions with other oral meds.

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