Hyperkalemia

Question 1

What is the most common cause of hyperkalemia in the ED?

Answer 1

Missed dialysis treatment

Question 2

What are the first few steps after ABCs in a patient with hyperkalemia?

Answer 2

EKG

Place on monitor

Question 3

What is the most common complaint of pts with hyperkalemia?

Answer 3

Weakness

Question 4

What are the effects of hyperkalemia on heart rhythm? (4)

Answer 4

• AV blocks
• Wide complex tachycardia
• V-fib
• Asystole

Question 5

What are the EKG changes that occur with hyperkalemia? (4)

Answer 5

• Peaked T waves
• QRS prolongation
• P wave amp decreases
• Sine waves

Question 6

What is the dose of Ca gluconate given in hyperkalemia? how long is it given over?

Answer 6

10 ml IV over 2-5 minutes