A client with acute kidney injury has a serum potassium level of 6.8 mEq/L. Which medication should the nurse anticipate administering *first*?
✓ Correct Answer: Option D
IV calcium gluconate is administered first in severe hyperkalemia to stabilize the cardiac cell membranes, protecting the heart from dysrhythmias. While other medications lower potassium, calcium gluconate offers immediate cardiac protection.
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