Hyperkalemia (Potassium)

Hyperkalemia is too much (hyper) potassium in the body. Excess potassium levels can contribute to cardiac arrest. The main indicator for Hyperkalemia or excess potassium is a patient showing tall, peaked T-waves.

Hyperkalemia (Potassium)

What is Hyperkalemia?

Hyperkalemia is too much (hyper) potassium in the body. Excess potassium levels can contribute to cardiac arrest. The main indicator for Hyperkalemia or excess potassium is a patient showing tall, peaked T-waves. Another indication could be the widening of QRS-waves. Hyperkalemia can be treated with sodium bicarbonate or calcium chloride or by performing dialysis.

What are the Potential Causes of Hyperkalemia?

  • Kidney disease/failure
  • Diuretics
  • DKA

What are the Indicators of Hyperkalemia?

  • ECG: Peaked T waves
  • History: Renal failure, dialysis, diabetes

What is the Treatment for Hyperkalemia?

  • Calcium chloride
  • Sodium bicarbonate
  • Dialysis

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