Hyperkalemia (Potassium)
Hyperkalemia is too much (hyper) potassium in the body. Excess potassium levels can contribute to cardiac arrest. The main indicator for Hyperkalemia or excess potassium is a patient showing tall, peaked T-waves.
What is Hyperkalemia?
Hyperkalemia is too much (hyper) potassium in the body. Excess potassium levels can contribute to cardiac arrest. The main indicator for Hyperkalemia or excess potassium is a patient showing tall, peaked T-waves. Another indication could be the widening of QRS-waves. Hyperkalemia can be treated with sodium bicarbonate or calcium chloride or by performing dialysis.
What are the Potential Causes of Hyperkalemia?
- Kidney disease/failure
- Diuretics
- DKA
What are the Indicators of Hyperkalemia?
- ECG: Peaked T waves
- History: Renal failure, dialysis, diabetes
What is the Treatment for Hyperkalemia?
- Calcium chloride
- Sodium bicarbonate
- Dialysis
