Which laboratory value would the nurse expect to monitor after initiating treatment for hyperkalemia?

Monitoring the potassium level after initiating treatment for hyperkalemia is essential because it directly reflects the effectiveness of the intervention and ensures that potassium levels are returning to a safe range. Hyperkalemia, which is a condition characterized by elevated potassium levels in the blood, can lead to serious complications such as cardiac arrhythmias. Therefore, after treatment begins, frequent measurement of serum potassium allows the healthcare provider to assess how well the treatment is working, whether potassium levels are decreasing appropriately, and if further intervention is needed.

While other electrolytes, such as sodium, calcium, or chloride, may be evaluated in different contexts, they are not the primary concern in managing hyperkalemia. The primary focus remains on potassium, as the condition directly involves dysregulation of this specific electrolyte.