Key Points
- Use the highest‑yield diagnostic test early; do not let testing delay time‑critical therapy.
- Set objective targets and reassess frequently.
- Plan definitive source control or disease‑specific therapy when indicated; document follow‑up and patient education.
Algorithm
- If ECG changes or K+ ≥6.5 → calcium IV immediately; place on monitor.
- Give insulin/dextrose; add albuterol and bicarbonate if acidotic; recheck K+ in 60 min.
- Initiate K+ removal: diuretics if euvolemic, K+ binders for adjunct, dialysis if severe/renal failure.
- Search/stop precipitants (medications, AKI); adjust RAAS inhibitors; counsel on diet.
- Observe until ECG normalizes and K+ safely reduced; arrange follow-up labs.
Clinical Synopsis & Reasoning
Hyperkalemia with ECG changes or K+ ≥6.5 mEq/L is a medical emergency. Stabilize the myocardium with IV calcium, shift potassium intracellularly with insulin/dextrose (± beta-agonists, bicarbonate if acidosis), and remove potassium via diuretics, binders, or hemodialysis. Identify and correct precipitants.
Treatment Strategy & Disposition
Stabilize ABCs. Initiate guideline‑concordant first‑line therapy with precise dosing and continuous monitoring. Escalate to advanced/procedural interventions based on explicit failure criteria. Define ICU, step‑down, and ward disposition triggers; involve specialty teams early.
Epidemiology / Risk Factors
- Risk varies by comorbidity and precipitants; see citations for condition‑specific data.
Investigations
| Test | Role / Rationale | Typical Findings | Notes |
|---|
| Repeat plasma potassium (non-hemolyzed) and ECG | Confirm & risk stratify | Peaked T, widened QRS, sine-wave | Treat on ECG, not number alone |
| BMP, glucose, venous blood gas | Etiology/complications | Metabolic acidosis, renal failure, hypoglycemia risk | Guide adjuncts |
| Medication review & urine K+ (selected) | Cause | RAASi, K-sparing diuretics, NSAIDs, trimethoprim | Tailor plan |
High-Risk & Disposition Triggers
| Trigger | Why it matters | Action |
|---|
| ECG changes (peaked T, widened QRS) or K+ ≥6.5 | Impending dysrhythmia | Immediate calcium, temporizing shifts, ICU; consider dialysis |
| Refractory hyperkalemia or AKI on CKD | Poor renal clearance | Nephrology consult; dialysis prep |
| Beta-blocker use or insulin deficiency | Reduced shift efficacy | Higher insulin/adjuncts; glucose monitoring q30–60 min |
| Hemolysis suspected with symptoms | False reassurance risk | Repeat STAT plasma K+; do not delay treatment |
| Digitalis toxicity coexistence | Calcium controversy | Favor cautious calcium gluconate; toxicology consult |
Pharmacology
| Medication/Intervention | Mechanism | Onset | Role in Therapy | Limitations |
|---|
| Calcium chloride 1 g IV (central) or calcium gluconate 3 g IV (peripheral) | Membrane stabilization | Minutes | Immediate QRS narrowing desired | Repeat if QRS not improved |
| Regular insulin 10 units IV + D10W 250 mL IV (or D50 25 g) | Intracellular shift | Minutes | First-line shift therapy | Monitor glucose q30–60 min × 3–4 h |
| Nebulized albuterol 10–20 mg | β2-agonist | Minutes | Adjunct shift | Tachycardia/tremor |
| Sodium bicarbonate 50–100 mEq IV (if acidosis) | Buffer | Minutes | Helps shift with metabolic acidosis | Limited without acidosis |
| Loop diuretics, sodium zirconium cyclosilicate/patiromer | Elimination | Hours | Adjunct removal | Not for life-threatening scenarios |
| Hemodialysis | Definitive removal | Immediate when available | Refractory or renal failure | Nephrology consult |
Prognosis / Complications
- Outcome depends on timeliness of diagnosis and definitive therapy; monitor for complications.
Patient Education / Counseling
- Provide red‑flag education, adherence guidance, and explicit return precautions; arrange timely specialty follow‑up.
References
- AHA ACLS & Nephrology reviews on hyperkalemia management — Link