Hyperkalemia physical examination

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

Overview

In patients with hyperkalemia, physical examination may vary from normal to bradycardia (heart block), tachypnea due to respiratory muscle weakness and absent tendon reflexes.

Physical Examination

Vitals

Pulse

• Bradycardia (heart block)

Respiratory Rate

• Tachypnea (respiratory muscle weakness)

Neurologic

• Muscle weakness
• Flaccid paralysis
• Depressed or absent deep tendon reflexes
• Muscle tenderness associated with muscle weakness (rhabdomyolysis)