Hyperkalemia Flashcards
What is the normal range
for potassium level?
3.5–5.0 mEq/L
What are the surgical causes
of hyperkalemia?
Iatrogenic overdose, blood transfusion,
renal failure, diuretics, acidosis, tissue
destruction (injury/hemolysis)
What are the signs/
symptoms?
Decreased deep tendon reflex (DTR) or
areflexia, weakness, paraesthesia, paralysis,
respiratory failure
What are the ECG findings?
Peaked T waves, depressed ST
segment, prolonged PR, wide QRS,
bradycardia, ventricular fibrillation
What are the critical values?
K+ >6.5
What is the urgent
treatment?
IV calcium (cardioprotective), ECG monitoring Sodium bicarbonate IV (alkalosis drives K+ intracellularly) Glucose and insulin Albuterol Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate) and furosemide (Lasix) Dialysis
What is the nonacute
treatment?
Furosemide (Lasix), sodium polystyrene
sulfonate (Kayexalate)
What is the acronym for
the treatment of acute
symptomatic hyperkalemia?
“CB DIAL K”: Calcium Bicarbonate Dialysis Insulin/dextrose Albuterol Lasix Kayexalate
What is “pseudohyperkalemia”?
Spurious hyperkalemia as a result of
falsely elevated K+ in sample from
sample hemolysis
What acid-base change
lowers the serum potassium?
Alkalosis (thus, give bicarbonate for
hyperkalemia)
What nebulizer treatment
can help lower K+ level?
Albuterol
