Hyperkalemia Medical Review

VOCABULARY style flashcards covering the causes, symptoms, workup, and initial treatment for Hyperkalemia based on the lecture notes.

Hyperkalemia

Elevated potassium in the blood, with levels above $6\,mEq/L$ being particularly concerning due to the risk of disrupting the heart's electrical activity.

Arrhythmias

Deadly heart rhythm disruptions that can be triggered by high potassium levels irritating the cardiac electrical system.

Potassium Sparing Diuretics

A specific class of medications that can cause elevated potassium levels in the blood.

Inadequate blood draw

A source of elevated potassium readings caused by prolonged tourniquet use, slow blood flow, or the use of a syringe during collection.

Peaked T waves and Widening QRS

Specific ECG changes that are indicative of hyperkalemia and indicate the heart may be irritated.

CMP (Complete Metabolic Panel)

A lab test used to assess electrolytes like potassium and evaluate kidney function, as kidneys are responsible for electrolyte balance.

CBC (Complete Blood Count)

A lab workup component used to ensure other issues, such as an elevated white count or low hemoglobin, are not missed.

Urinalysis

A test used to assess renal function and identify any abnormalities in the urine.

Calcium Gluconate

A treatment that stabilizes the cardiac membrane and reduces heart irritability from potassium to help prevent arrhythmias.

Calcium Gluconate Dosage

Administered as $1\,gram$ over a period of $10\,minutes$.