Hyperkalemia resident survival guide
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; associate editor-in-chief: Mahmoud Sakr, M.D. [2]
Definition
Hyperkalemia is best defined as a serum potassium concentration greater than 5.5 mEq/L in adults; levels higher than 7 mEq/L can lead to significant hemodynamic compromise
Causes
Life-Threatening Causes
Immediate life-threatening causes are conditions which result in immediate death or disability if left untreated.
- Acute Renal Failure
- Rhabdomyolysis
- Rapid tissue necrosis
- Tumor Lysis syndrome
- Metabolic acidosis
- Massive hemolysis
- large IV doses of Calcium chloride or calcium gluconate
Common Causes
Management
Please find below an algorithm that summarizes the approach to chest pain.
Check vital signs Stabilize the patient Order an EKG Concise history and physical exam | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Assess EKG | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
EKG consistent with ACS | EKG not consistent with ACS | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Order a CXR | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
STEMI Revascularization | NSTEMI Risk stratification | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Pneumothorax | Aortic dissection | No significant findings on CXR | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Control BP Obtain a CT scan Emergent surgery consult | Assess the pretest probability forpulmonary embolism | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||