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Hyperkalemia

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Dec 19, 2022
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INSIGHT

Hyperkalemia Definition

  • Hyperkalemia is defined as serum potassium >5-5.5 mEq/L.
  • Even small potassium shifts cause significant serum level changes because it's mainly intracellular.
ADVICE

Confirming Hyperkalemia

  • Always verify true hyperkalemia, as hemolysis or lab errors are the most common causes.
  • Consider pseudohyperkalemia in patients with very high platelet or white blood cell counts.
INSIGHT

Potassium Regulation

  • Potassium regulation involves three mechanisms: intake, intracellular-extracellular shifts, and excretion.
  • Renal excretion handles >90% of potassium; the remainder is primarily via the GI tract.
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