Sodium polystyrene sulfonate: a cation exchange resin used in treating hyperkalemia.

Sodium polystyrene sulfonate is a cation exchange resin used in the treatment of nonlife-threatening hyperkalemia. Administered orally or rectally, the resin can effectively reduce serum potassium concentrations in the neonate as well as the elderly. Proper administration, assessment of drug effectiveness, and detection and prevention of potential adverse side effects of sodium polystyrene sulfonate are the responsibility of the nephrology nurse.