Hyper and hypokalemia

Question 1

Hyperkalemia serum levels

Answer 1

> 5.5mEq/L
Moderate >6.0mEq/L
Severe >7.0mEq/L

Question 2

What does hyperK do?

Answer 2

Suppresses SA node function and conduction of His Purkinje. Leads to bradycardia and conduction delays, eventually cardiac arrest.

Question 3

> 5.5mEq/L EKG sign

Answer 3

Peaked T waves

Question 4

> 6.5mEq/L EKG sign

Answer 4

P waves flatten, eventually disappear. PR segment lengthens.

Question 5

> 7.0mEq/L EKG sign

Answer 5

(Conduction abnormalities and brady) No P wave. Prolonged and bizarre QRS morphology. Any kind of conduction block. Sine wave appearance. Brady or slow AF.

Question 6

> 9.0mEq/L

Answer 6

Cardiac rest due to asystole, VF or PEA.

Question 7

Trends to note with hyperK

Answer 7

As serum levels get higher, conduction abnormalities occur, which causes widening QRS. P waves will disappear because high serum levels stop SA conduction.