Hyperkalemia
This ECG finding is classically associated with early hyperkalemia and should prompt you to check the potassium.
What are peaked T waves?
A patient has K⁺ 7.2 mEq/L and QRS widening. This medication should be given first to stabilize the cardiac membrane.
What is IV calcium?
This treatment shifts potassium intracellularly but does not remove potassium from the body.
What are insulin + dextrose?
A patient with K⁺ 6.8 has weakness and a widened QRS. You give calcium and insulin/dextrose. This therapy actually removes potassium from the body and is the definitive treatment when medical therapy is insufficient.
What is hemodialysis?
A patient with severe hyperkalemia receives calcium gluconate. Their potassium remains 7.1 mEq/L. The team says, “The calcium didn't work.” What's wrong with that statement?
Calcium does not lower serum potassium. It stabilizes the cardiac membrane and reduces the risk of malignant arrhythmias.