Hyperkalaemia

Question 1

Normal K+ levels

Answer 1

3.5 - 5.0

Question 2

K+ levels in hyperkalaemia

Answer 2

K+ > 5.5

Question 3

Life threatening K+ hyperkalaemia levels

Answer 3

K+ > 6.5

Question 4

Clinical features

Answer 4

Cardiac arrhythmias
Weakness
Bradycardia

Question 5

ECG findings - initial

Answer 5

Tall T waves

Flattened P waves

Question 6

ECG findings - progression

Answer 6

QRS broadens

Question 7

ECG findings - terminal

Answer 7

Sine wave patterns

- can get cardiac sine wave at this point

Question 8

Management

Answer 8

IV access
10ml 10% calcium gluconate
Insulin + 50ml 50% dextrose
Salbutamol nebuliser

Question 9

Management - what is the function of calcium gluconate

Answer 9

Stabilises the myocardium and normalises the ECG

Question 10

Management - what is the function of insulin + dextrose

Answer 10

Lowers K+ levels

Moves K+ back into the cells

Question 11

Calcium resonium is useful but it is not given in the acute setting. True or false?

Answer 11

True

Question 12

Dialysis indications - hyperkalaemia levels

Answer 12

Hyperkalaemia > 7

Hyperkalaemia > 6.5 unresponsive to medical therapy