Hyperkalemia

Question 1

Hyperkalemia: def

Answer 1

Se Na > 5mM

Question 2

Hyperkalemia: cause

Answer 2

Principal cause:

• acidosis (remember like in metabolic acidosis, cells promote H+ exchange with K+ -> leads to hyperkalemia)
• renal insufficiency

Question 3

Hyperkalemia: ECG findings

Answer 3

Moderate hyperkalemia:

• peaked, symmetrical T waves
• AV block (prolonged PQ)
• missing p waves

Emergency:

• prolonged QRS
• ventricular arrhythmia, ventricular fibrillation

Question 4

Hyperkalemia: T

Answer 4

• depends on the cause

- Insulin + glucose (to prevent hypocalcemia)