Chapter 17: Fluids and Electrolytes- Hyperkalemia

Question 1

What is the normal range for potassium level?

Answer 1

3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L

Question 2

What are the surgical causes of hyperkalemia?

Answer 2

• Iatrogenic overdose
• blood transfusion
• renal failure
• diuretics
• acidosis
• tissue destruction (injury/hemolysis)

Question 3

What are the ECG findings?

Answer 3

• Peaked T waves
• depressed ST segment
• prolonged PR
• wide QRS
• bradycardia
• ventricular fibrillation

Question 4

What are the critical values?

Answer 4

K+ >6.5

Question 5

What is the nonacute treatment?

Answer 5

• Furosemide (Lasix®)
• sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate®)

Question 6

What is the acronym for the treatment of acute symptomatic hyperkalemia?

Answer 6

“CB DIAL K”:

• Calcium
• Bicarbonate
• Dialysis
• Insulin/dextrose
• Albuterol
• Lasix
• Kayexalate

Question 7

What is “pseudohyperkalemia”?

Answer 7

Spurious hyperkalemia as a result of falsely elevated K+ in sample from sample hemolysis

Question 8

What acid–base change lowers the serum potassium?

Answer 8

Alkalosis (thus, give bicarbonate for hyperkalemia)

Question 9

What nebulizer treatment can help lower K+level?

Answer 9

Albuterol