Workup
-Repeat CMP/BMP as needed.
-Get EKG, always.
Treatment
–Hyperkalemia Treatment.
Pearls
- “Because hyperkalemia can have deleterious effects on the myocardium, an EKG is the first diagnostic test in the workup of a patient with hyperkalemia. Although not all patients with hyperkalemia will have an abnormal EKG, those who do need to be given intravenous calcium immediately to prevent arrhythmias and cardiac arrest. A urinalysis, blood pH, and CBC are part of the workup to determine the etiology of the hyperkalemia, but an EKG is the top priority. There is not a defined threshold for treatment of hyperkalemia with intravenous calcium in asymptomatic patients without EKG changes. Likewise, renal ultrasonography may be indicated for other reasons but is not part of the initial workup for hyperkalemia.” ABFM
Reference
Emerg Med Clin North Am 2014;32(2):329-347. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24766936