![]() ![]() ![]() Pseudohyperkalemia is most commonly due to hemolysis of the sample, causing intracellular potassium to be measured in the serum. The most common cause of hyperkalemia is pseudohyperkalemia, which is not reflective of the true serum potassium levels. The urgency of therapy depends on symptoms, serum levels, and causes of hyperkalemia. ![]() True hyperkalemia may be caused by increased potassium intake, transcellular movement of intracellular potassium into the extracellular space, and decreased renal excretion. Hyperkalemia should always be confirmed before aggressive treatment in cases where the serum potassium is elevated without explanation. Pseudohyperkalemia is quite common and represents a false elevation in measured potassium due to specimen collection, handling, or other causes. Infants have higher baseline levels than children and adults. Patients with chronic hyperkalemia may be asymptomatic at increased levels, while patients with dramatic, acute potassium shifts may develop severe symptoms at lower ones. Symptoms usually develop at higher levels, 6.5 mEq/L to 7 mEq/L, but the rate of change is more important than the numerical value. While mild hyperkalemia is usually asymptomatic, high potassium levels may cause life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, muscle weakness, or paralysis. Hyperkalemia is defined as a serum or plasma potassium level above the upper limits of normal, usually greater than 5.0 mEq/L to 5.5 mEq/L. Outline the importance of improving care coordination among interprofessional team members to improve outcomes for patients affected by hyperkalemia.Summarize the treatment options and order of treatment for hyperkalemia.Describe the effects of hyperkalemia on the ECG.This activity reviews the causes, pathophysiology, and presentation of hyperkalemia and highlights the role of the interprofessional team in its management. Symptoms usually develop at higher levels, 6.5 mEq/L to 7 mEq/L, but the rate of change is more important than the numerical value. Hyperkalemia is defined as a serum or plasma potassium level above the upper limits of normal, usually greater than 5.0 mEq/L to 5.5 mEq/L. ![]()
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