hyperkalemia
Pronunciation: HIGH-per-kah-LEE-mee-ah
Abnormally high levels of potassium in the blood, potentially causing dangerous cardiac arrhythmias.
Full Definition
Hyperkalemia is an electrolyte disorder characterized by serum potassium levels above the normal range (generally >5.5 mEq/L in children). In pediatric nephrology, hyperkalemia commonly occurs in the setting of acute or chronic kidney disease due to impaired potassium excretion. The condition can also result from medications such as ACE inhibitors, excessive potassium intake, or cellular breakdown. Severe hyperkalemia can cause life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias and requires immediate treatment with measures such as calcium gluconate, insulin with glucose, sodium bicarbonate, or dialysis.
Usage
Usage note: Always include specific potassium value and associated ECG changes when documenting.
In Context
- "The patient developed severe hyperkalemia with peaked T waves on ECG." — Emergency department documentation
- "Hyperkalemia was managed with dietary potassium restriction and potassium-binding resin." — Nephrology follow-up note