In hyperkalemia, which treatment is used to stabilize cardiac membranes?

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Multiple Choice

In hyperkalemia, which treatment is used to stabilize cardiac membranes?

In acute hyperkalemia, protecting the heart from the effects of high potassium is the immediate priority. IV calcium gluconate works by stabilizing the cardiac membranes rather than changing the potassium level itself. It raises the threshold potential of cardiac myocytes, counteracting the depolarizing influence of excess extracellular potassium, which reduces the likelihood of dangerous arrhythmias as you proceed to lower potassium through other means. The other treatments address potassium levels or shifts rather than directly stabilizing the heart. Insulin (usually with glucose) and beta-adrenergic agonists push potassium into cells to lower serum levels, and Kayexalate helps remove potassium from the body more slowly. Calcium gluconate is used first to protect the heart during the acute crisis.

In acute hyperkalemia, protecting the heart from the effects of high potassium is the immediate priority. IV calcium gluconate works by stabilizing the cardiac membranes rather than changing the potassium level itself. It raises the threshold potential of cardiac myocytes, counteracting the depolarizing influence of excess extracellular potassium, which reduces the likelihood of dangerous arrhythmias as you proceed to lower potassium through other means.

The other treatments address potassium levels or shifts rather than directly stabilizing the heart. Insulin (usually with glucose) and beta-adrenergic agonists push potassium into cells to lower serum levels, and Kayexalate helps remove potassium from the body more slowly. Calcium gluconate is used first to protect the heart during the acute crisis.

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