Hyperkalemia

Waiz Wasey, MD, Sarah Hutchings and Rebecca Dix Reviewed 06/2022

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)

HISTORY

Neuromuscular cramps, myalgias, muscle weakness or paralysis
Abdominal pain
Palpitations
Numbness

PHYSICAL EXAM

Decrease...

TREATMENT

MEDICATION

Stabilize myocardial membranes. Initial treatment with calcium gluconate IV 1,000 mg (10 mL of 10% solution) over 2 to 3 minutes (5)[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

Re...

REFERENCES

Nisson E, Gasparini A, Arnlov J, et al. Incidentce and determinants of hyperkalemia and hypokalemia in a large healthcare system. Int J Cardiol. 2017 Oct 15;245:277-284.

...

CODES

ICD10

E87.5 Hyperkalemia

SNOMED

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

CLINICAL PEARLS

Emergency and urgent management of hyperkalemia takes precedent to a thorough diagnostic workup. Urgent treatment includes stabilization of the myocardium with calcium gluconate to pro...

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