HYPERKALEMIA

Background: Risk Factors

Life Threatening! 1. Medications
Definition varies: >5.5, >6.0, >7.0 2. Dehydration
mEq/L 3. Metabolic Acidosis
4. Diabetes
Who to Treat: 5. Heart Failure
1. Symptoms of Hyperkalemia 6. Advanced Age
a. Muscle Weakness or
Arrhythmias
2. ECG Abnormalities
3. Potassium > 6.5 mEq/L and...
a. Tissue Breakdown Immediate
b. GI Bleeding Attention Is
4. Potassium > 5.5 mEq/L and...
a. Kidney Impairment or Tissue Needed
Breakdown

Goals:
1. Potassium Redistribution and
Excretion
2. Prevent Cardiac Arrhythmias
Sources:
Palmer PF, Carrero JJ, Clegg DJ, et al. Clinical Management of Hyperkalemia.
Mayo Clinic. 2021;96(3):P744-762. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mayocp.2020.06.014
National Kidney Foundation. Best Practices in Managing Hyperkalemia in Chronic
Kidney Disease. Kidney.org. Relypsa, Inc. Accessed August 25, 2022.
https://www.kidney.org/sites/default/files/02-10-
7259%20Hyperkalemia%20Tool.pdf
Hollander-Rodriguez JC, Calvert JF. Hyperkalemia. Am Fam Physician.
2006;73(2):283-290.