Hyperkalemia laboratory findings

Resident Survival Guide

Hyperkalemia Microchapters
Home
Patient information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Hyperkalemia from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural history, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
Diagnostic Study of Choice
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
Electrocardiogram
X-ray
Echocardiography and Ultrasound
CT scan
MRI
Other Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Surgery
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Hyperkalemia laboratory findings On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Hyperkalemia laboratory findings All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Hyperkalemia laboratory findings
CDC on Hyperkalemia laboratory findings
Hyperkalemia laboratory findings in the news
Blogs on Hyperkalemia laboratory findings
Directions to Hospitals Treating Hyperkalemia
Risk calculators and risk factors for Hyperkalemia laboratory findings

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief: Priyamvada Singh, M.B.B.S. [2] ; Aditya Ganti M.B.B.S. [3]

Overview

In a patient who does not have a risk for hyperkalemia, repeating the blood test is indicated before taking any actions unless changes are present on electrocardiography.

Laboratory Findings

In a patient who does not have a risk for hyperkalemia, repeating the blood test is indicated before taking any actions unless changes are present on electrocardiography.Hyperkalemia is defined as serum potassium greater than 5.0-5.5 mEq/L in adults. Levels higher than 7 mEq/L can lead to significant hemodynamic and neurologic consequences, whereas levels exceeding 8.5 mEq/L can cause respiratory paralysis or cardiac arrest and can quickly be fatal.

Initial tests

• Complete blood count (CBC)
• Metabolic profile
• Urine potassium, sodium, and osmolality

Cause specific

• Blood glucose In patients with history of diabetes mellitus
• Digoxin level
• Arterial or venous blood gas (acidosis)
• Urinalysis (renal insufficiency)
• Serum cortisol and aldosterone levels (mineralocorticoid deficiency)
• Serum uric acid and phosphorus assays (tumor lysis syndrome)
• Serum creatinine phosphokinase (CPK) and calcium measurements and urine myoglobin test (crush injury or rhabdomyolysis)