hyperkalaemia

Question 1

staging of hyperkalaemia

Answer 1

mild : 5.5 -5.9
moderate : 6-6.4
severe >= 6.5

Question 2

first investigation for hyperkalaemia

Answer 2

ECG

Question 3

ECG changes hyperkalaemia

Answer 3

'’peaked’’ or tall tented t waves
loss of p waves
broad QRS

Question 4

management of hyperkalaemia

Answer 4

if patient has hyperkalaemia > 6.5 or ECG changes
IV calcium gluconate to stabilise cardiac membrane
insulin / dextrose = short term shift in potassium
nebulised salbumol

Question 5

further management of hyperkalaemia

Answer 5

stop exacerbating drugs
treat underlying cause
lower total body potassium with calcium resonium, loop diuretics and dialysis