A client is diagnosed with acute kidney failure secondary to dehydration. An intravenous (IV) infusion of 50% glucose with regular insulin is prescribed to address which purpose?

A client is diagnosed with acute kidney failure secondary to dehydration. An intravenous (IV) infusion of 50% glucose with regular insulin is prescribed to address which purpose?

• A. To increase urinary output
• B. To prevent respiratory acidosis
• C. To correct hyperkalemia
• D. To increase serum calcium levels

Answer: (C)

The question tests understanding of how insulin paired with glucose is used to treat hyperkalemia in kidney failure. In acute kidney injury, potassium isn’t excreted effectively, so extracellular potassium rises and can threaten cardiac function. Regular insulin stimulates the Na+/K+ ATPase pump, driving potassium from the bloodstream into cells. The accompanying glucose is given to prevent hypoglycemia from the insulin. This combination provides a rapid, temporary decrease in serum potassium while other measures address the underlying kidney impairment and long-term potassium removal (e.g., dialysis, dietary restrictions). Thus the intended purpose is to correct hyperkalemia. The other options don’t fit because increasing urinary output isn’t achieved by this infusion, insulin-glucose doesn’t directly prevent respiratory acidosis, and it doesn’t purposefully raise serum calcium.

The question tests understanding of how insulin paired with glucose is used to treat hyperkalemia in kidney failure. In acute kidney injury, potassium isn’t excreted effectively, so extracellular potassium rises and can threaten cardiac function. Regular insulin stimulates the Na+/K+ ATPase pump, driving potassium from the bloodstream into cells. The accompanying glucose is given to prevent hypoglycemia from the insulin. This combination provides a rapid, temporary decrease in serum potassium while other measures address the underlying kidney impairment and long-term potassium removal (e.g., dialysis, dietary restrictions).

Thus the intended purpose is to correct hyperkalemia. The other options don’t fit because increasing urinary output isn’t achieved by this infusion, insulin-glucose doesn’t directly prevent respiratory acidosis, and it doesn’t purposefully raise serum calcium.