Flash-Med Internal Medicine Questions


When an inpatient is noted to have hyperkalemia, what are the initial steps that should be taken?
Determine if there was hemolysis on the blood sent to the lab. If present, repeat the potassium level on another sample. Determine if you are administering any medications that can cause hyperkalemia, and make sure there is no potassium in the intravenous fluids. Strongly consider following up an EKG.