Hyperkalaemia

Question 1

What is hyperkalaemia?

Answer 1

Raised serum potassium

Question 2

What causes hyperkalaemia?

Answer 2

• AKI
• CKD
• Rhabdo
• Adrenal insufficiency
• Tumour lysis syndrome
• Meds including Aldosterone antagonists, ACE, ARB, NSAIDs

Question 3

What are ECG changes of hyperkalaemia?

Answer 3

• Tall tented T waves
• Flat/absent P waves
• Prolonged PR
• Broad QRS

Question 4

How is hyperkalaemia managed?

Answer 4

• Hospital admission with renal/ITU input
• Treatment needed if ECG changes or serum potassium above 6.5
• Tx includes Insulin and dextrose with calcium gluconate by IV slow injection
• Other options include neb salbutamol, sodium bicarb or haemodialysis

Question 5

What should be done before commencing calcium gluconate with hyperkalaemia?

Answer 5

ECG