Hyperkalemic Emergency: When You Have Taken a Few Too Many KCl Tablets

Division

North Florida

Hospital

Osceola Regional Medical Center

Document Type

Case Report

Publication Date

9-17-2020

Keywords

hyperkalemia, hyperkalemic emergency, potassium, critical care, emergency medicine, internal medicine, ekg, hemodialysis, insulin, bipolar disorder

Disciplines

Emergency Medicine | Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism | Internal Medicine | Medical Education

Abstract

Hyperkalemia is a common clinical problem that varies significantly in severity and indications for treatment. Hyperkalemic emergency exists when there are clinical signs or symptoms, including cardiac conduction abnormalities. The combination of nebulized albuterol and insulin with glucose is most effective for managing clinically significant hyperkalemia. Prompt recognition of hyperkalemic emergency, immediate interventions to lower extracellular potassium, and involvement of multiple disciplines (including critical care and nephrology) are essential to addressing this life-threatening presentation.

Publisher or Conference

Cureus

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS