Which treatment is ineffective for addressing high potassium levels?

In the context of managing high potassium levels, or hyperkalemia, some treatments are effective while others can exacerbate the condition. Increased dietary potassium is ineffective for addressing high potassium levels because it would introduce more potassium into the body, potentially worsening hyperkalemia rather than alleviating it. In fact, for someone already experiencing high potassium levels, it is critical to limit further potassium intake to prevent complications.

On the other hand, treatments like insulin and dextrose, loop diuretics, and sodium bicarbonate have specific roles in reducing potassium levels in the body. For instance, insulin enhances the uptake of potassium into cells, which lowers serum potassium levels. Loop diuretics help the kidneys excrete more potassium through urine, and sodium bicarbonate can help shift potassium into cells and may be beneficial in certain conditions where acidosis is also present.

Thus, increased dietary potassium is inherently counterproductive and ineffective for treating high potassium levels.