Clients with ESRD are unable to excrete which electrolyte?

Clients with ESRD are unable to excrete which electrolyte?

• A. Sodium
• B. Potassium
• C. Calcium
• D. Magnesium

Answer: (B)

Potassium. The kidneys are the primary route for potassium excretion, helping keep its levels within a narrow range. In end-stage renal disease, little to no urine is produced, so potassium can't be eliminated effectively. This leads to hyperkalemia, which can cause dangerous cardiac rhythms if not treated. While sodium, calcium, and magnesium can be disrupted in ESRD, the electrolyte most characteristically unable to be excreted and thus elevated is potassium, making it the key concern in this condition.

Potassium. The kidneys are the primary route for potassium excretion, helping keep its levels within a narrow range. In end-stage renal disease, little to no urine is produced, so potassium can't be eliminated effectively. This leads to hyperkalemia, which can cause dangerous cardiac rhythms if not treated. While sodium, calcium, and magnesium can be disrupted in ESRD, the electrolyte most characteristically unable to be excreted and thus elevated is potassium, making it the key concern in this condition.