Hyperkalemia

Question 1

What is hyperkalemia?

Answer 1

Serum potassium greater than 5.0 mEq/L
ECG will be normal
Usually occurs in patients with advanced kidney disease
Acidosis causes Intracellular potassium to shift extracellularly

Question 2

What are the signs and symptoms of hyperkalemia?

Answer 2

Muscle weakness
Flaccid paralysis
Ileus

Question 3

Should you repeat lab testing?

Answer 3

Fist clinching during venipuncture May raise the potassium concentration by 1-2 mEq and yes you need to repeat testing

Question 4

What ecg changes are seen by j hyperkalemia?

Answer 4

Bradycardia
Pr interval prolongation
Peaked t waves
Qrs widening
Vfib and cardiac arrests

Question 5

How do you treat hyperkalemia?

Answer 5

Withholding exogenous potassium
Iding the cause
Insulin, bicarbonate, and beta agonists
Hemodialysis May be required
Loop diuretics with furosemide 40mg IV, bumetanide 1mg IV