Pharmacological and Parenteral TherapiesQuestion 207 of 2368
A client with hyperkalemia is prescribed IV calcium gluconate. What is the purpose of this medication?
- To permanently lower the serum potassium level by removing it from the body
- To protect the heart from the effects of excess potassium for a short time
- To bind potassium in the intestine so it is removed through the GI tract
- To shift potassium from the bloodstream back into the cells over several hours
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Correct answer: To bind potassium in the intestine so it is removed through the GI tract
Calcium gluconate is a temporary measure. It buys time for other treatments to lower potassium before cardiac arrest develops.
Source: Nursing Fundamentals, 2nd edition (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2024), Fluids and Electrolytes: Potassium. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Practice the topic "Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies"Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026