Which therapy removes potassium from the body via the gastrointestinal tract?

Which therapy removes potassium from the body via the gastrointestinal tract?

• A. Furosemide
• B. Dialysis
• C. Calcium gluconate
• D. Kayexalate

Answer: (D)

This item tests how potassium can be removed through the gastrointestinal tract. Kayexalate, or sodium polystyrene sulfonate, is a resin that stays in the colon and exchanges sodium for potassium. As potassium binds to the resin, it is eliminated in the stool, lowering serum potassium over time. This method is distinct from others: furosemide promotes renal potassium loss through urine, dialysis removes potassium by diffusion across a membrane, and calcium gluconate does not remove potassium at all; it merely stabilizes the heart against the dangerous effects of hyperkalemia. Kayexalate is useful when GI excretion is feasible and other methods aren’t available or rapid enough, though it acts more slowly and has potential GI side effects.

This item tests how potassium can be removed through the gastrointestinal tract. Kayexalate, or sodium polystyrene sulfonate, is a resin that stays in the colon and exchanges sodium for potassium. As potassium binds to the resin, it is eliminated in the stool, lowering serum potassium over time. This method is distinct from others: furosemide promotes renal potassium loss through urine, dialysis removes potassium by diffusion across a membrane, and calcium gluconate does not remove potassium at all; it merely stabilizes the heart against the dangerous effects of hyperkalemia. Kayexalate is useful when GI excretion is feasible and other methods aren’t available or rapid enough, though it acts more slowly and has potential GI side effects.