Hyperkalaemia

Question 1

When do you treat hyperkalaemia?

Answer 1

K+ >6.5

or

K+ >5.5 and ECG changes

Question 2

What would you do for the initial management of hyperkalaemia?

Answer 2

1. VBG to get immediate K+ levels
2. Request 12-lead ECG
3. Stop drugs that increase risk of K+

Question 3

What ECG changes do you see in hyperkalaemia?

Answer 3

Small/absent P-waves
Broad QRS complex
Tall tented T-wavs
Sinusoidal wave pattern
VF

Question 4

What is the treatment for hyperkalaemia?

Answer 4

10% IV Calcium Gluconate, 10 ml over 10 minutes

50ml of 50% IV detxrose + 10 units Actrapid