Fluid & Electrolyte Medications

Question 1

Sevelamer (Renvela, Renagel)

Answer 1

• Used for chronic kidney failure on Hemodialysis
• Reduces serum phosphate levels

-side effects: don’t use if bowel obstruction; watch for infection, diarrhea, hypoTN, pain, headache

• Monitor phosphate levels
• Take with meals, snacks
• Don’t take with other meds, don’t crush (mix powder in water)

Question 2

Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate

Answer 2

• Treatment of mild to moderate hyperkalemia
  
  • Reduces K+ levels
  • PO or Rectal Route
• side effects: cardiac arrhythmias, constipation
• Monitor K+ levels, I&Os, Abdominal assessment
• Don’t use for fecal impaction
• Note frequent stool

Question 3

Epoetin

Answer 3

• Treatment for Anemia
• Stimulates productions of RBCs
• Given IV or SQ route
• Encourage foods high in iron
• side effects: HTN, seizure, risk for blood clots
• Monitor hgb, hct, BP, s/s of anemia, s/s of blood clots and seizures

Question 4

Potassium Chloride

Answer 4

• Electrolyte, Mineral Replacement
• Used to prevent/treatment hypokalemia. Essential for nerve conduction, contraction of cardiac/skeletal/smooth muscle
• side effects: confusion, bradycardia, N/V, cramps, pain

Question 5

Sodium Bicarb (baking soda)
Sodium Citrate and Citric Acid

Answer 5

• Antiulcer agent, mineral replacement
• Manages metabolic acidosis, Antacid
• s/e: metabolic alkalosis, fluid overload, gastric distention
  
  • Monitor serum levels
  • Avoid high sodium foods