PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

Which method is extremely effective in decreasing potassium levels?

1. Dialysis and furosemide

2. Reduce dietary potassium

3. Hydration and potassium supplements

4. Beta-agonist therapy

The correct answer is: Dialysis and furosemide

Dialysis and furosemide are both established methods used to effectively decrease potassium levels in cases of hyperkalemia. Dialysis acts as a renal replacement therapy that directly removes excess potassium from the bloodstream. It is particularly beneficial for patients with kidney failure or those who have severely elevated potassium levels that could lead to life-threatening complications such as cardiac arrest. This method physically draws and filters the potassium out of the body, making it one of the most effective interventions for rapidly lowering potassium levels. Furosemide, a loop diuretic, also plays a role in reducing potassium levels by promoting renal excretion of potassium through increased urine output. This diuretic is often used in conjunction with other treatments for hyperkalemia, especially in patients with sufficient renal function. In contrast, simply reducing dietary potassium might help in managing levels over time but is not sufficient for immediate or acute cases. Hydration and potassium supplements would actually exacerbate the problem, as they could lead to further increases in potassium levels. Beta-agonist therapy can lower potassium levels temporarily by driving potassium back into cells, but it is not as effective or rapid as dialysis or the combination of dialysis and furosemide. Therefore, the combination of these two methods is indeed the