Hyperkalemia

Pooja Gandhi, DO and Tyler D Sharpe, MD Reviewed 04/2024

BASICS

DESCRIPTION

Hyperkalemia is a common electrolyte disorder defined as a plasma potassium (K) concentration >5.5 mEq/L (>5 mmol/L).
Hyperkalemia depresses cardiac conduction and can lead to f...

DIAGNOSIS

Serum potassium level greater than the normal range (3.5–5.0 mEq/L). Patients may be asymptomatic until >6 mEq/L.

HISTORY

Neuromuscular cramps, myalgias, muscle weakness or paralysis
Abdomi...

TREATMENT

MEDICATION

Stabilize myocardial membranes. Initial treatment with calcium gluconate IV 1,000 mg (10 mL of 10% solution) over 2 to 3 minutes (3)[A]
- With constant cardiac monitoring
- Can repeat a...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Patient Monitoring

Serum K levels should be rechecked every 2 to 4 hours until the patient has stabilized, and recurrent hyperkalemia is no longer a threat.

DIET

Di...

REFERENCES

Palmer BF, Clegg DJ. Diagnosis and treatment of hyperkalemia. Cleve Clin J Med. 2017;84(12): 934–942.

Wong R, Banker R, Aronowitz P. Electrocardiographic changes...

CODES

ICD10

E87.5 Hyperkalemia

SNOMED

14140009 hyperkalemia (disorder)
237847005 Hyperkalemic acidosis
237849008 Drug-induced hyperkalemia (disorder)

CLINICAL PEARLS

Urgent management of hyperkalemia takes precedence to a thorough diagnostic workup. Urgent treatment includes stabilization of the myocardium with calcium gluconate to protect against ...

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