Which serum potassium level indicates effectiveness of a sodium polystyrene sulfonate enema?

The effectiveness of a sodium polystyrene sulfonate enema is primarily assessed through its ability to reduce elevated serum potassium levels, typically associated with hyperkalemia. Sodium polystyrene sulfonate works by exchanging sodium ions for potassium ions in the gastrointestinal tract, which helps to lower serum potassium levels.

A serum potassium level of 4.1 mEq/L is within the normal reference range for potassium, which is generally between 3.5 mEq/L and 5.0 mEq/L. This indicates that the therapy with sodium polystyrene sulfonate has successfully reduced the previously elevated potassium levels to a normal range, demonstrating the medication's effectiveness in treating hyperkalemia.

In contrast, levels of 3.5 mEq/L indicate the lower limit of normal and may not reflect effective treatment in the context of hyperkalemia if the initial levels were significantly higher. A level of 5.0 mEq/L, while still within the normal range, may not demonstrate the full therapeutic effect if patients began with elevated levels that required intervention. Lastly, a level of 6.0 mEq/L would indicate severe hyperkalemia, thus showing that the treatment has not been effective.

Hence, the serum potassium level of