To keep serum PO4 within range, the dialysis patient should?

To keep serum PO4 within range, the dialysis patient should?

• A. Take PO4 binders
• B. Take calcium supplements only
• C. Increase phosphate-rich foods
• D. Drink more water

Answer: (A)

Managing serum phosphate in dialysis patients hinges on reducing how much phosphate is absorbed from food. Since kidney function is limited, phosphate tends to accumulate, and dialysis alone often isn’t enough to keep levels in range. Phosphate binders work by sticking to phosphate in the gut during digestion, forming insoluble compounds that are then excreted in stool. They must be taken with meals to be effective, because that’s when most dietary phosphate is present to be bound. Calcium supplements alone don’t address gut absorption and can raise calcium levels, while increasing phosphate-rich foods would raise phosphate further. Drinking more water doesn’t reduce phosphate absorption. So taking phosphate binders with meals is the best way to keep serum phosphate within range.

Managing serum phosphate in dialysis patients hinges on reducing how much phosphate is absorbed from food. Since kidney function is limited, phosphate tends to accumulate, and dialysis alone often isn’t enough to keep levels in range. Phosphate binders work by sticking to phosphate in the gut during digestion, forming insoluble compounds that are then excreted in stool. They must be taken with meals to be effective, because that’s when most dietary phosphate is present to be bound. Calcium supplements alone don’t address gut absorption and can raise calcium levels, while increasing phosphate-rich foods would raise phosphate further. Drinking more water doesn’t reduce phosphate absorption. So taking phosphate binders with meals is the best way to keep serum phosphate within range.