Hyperkalemia physical examination

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

• Bradycardia (heart block)
• Tachypnea (respiratory muscle weakness)

General physical examination

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