This week we discuss the management of hyperkalemia + a journal update on beta blockers vs Ca channel blockers in AF
Core EM - Emergency Medicine Podcast Episode 7.0 – Hyperkalemia + Rate Control in AFib
Aug 3, 2015
Dive into the crucial management of hyperkalemia, learning about its causes, symptoms, and the importance of EKG monitoring. Discover effective treatment strategies for both asymptomatic and symptomatic cases, including the roles of calcium salts and insulin. The discussion also covers a journal update comparing beta blockers versus calcium channel blockers for rate control in atrial fibrillation, shedding light on best practices in emergency medicine.
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Manage Hyperkalemia with EKG and Treatment
- Always obtain an EKG in patients with end-stage renal disease upon presentation to quickly detect hyperkalemia.
- Treat hyperkalemia by stabilizing cardiac membranes with calcium, shifting potassium intracellularly, and eliminating potassium from the body.
Five Causes of Hyperkalemia
- Five major causes of hyperkalemia: pseudohyperkalemia, renal failure, acidosis, massive cell death, and drugs.
- Pseudohyperkalemia is common but least lethal and involves potassium leakage from cells during blood draw.
Treat Symptomatic Hyperkalemia Urgently
- Treat symptomatic hyperkalemia with IV calcium gluconate or chloride to rapidly stabilize cardiac cells.
- Shift potassium intracellularly using insulin with dextrose and inhaled beta-agonists like albuterol for temporary effect.