A nurse is caring for a patient with hyperkalemia. The nurse knows that the most likely complication of this condition is:

Question

Question

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AIIMS NORCET 7 Prelims Memory Based Paper 2024

Answer 1

Correct Answer: Cardiac dysrhythmias and tall tented T waves

Rationale:

Hyperkalemia refers to an elevated level of potassium in the blood. Potassium is an essential electrolyte necessary for proper cell function, particularly in the heart and muscle cells.
One of the most significant and dangerous complications of hyperkalemia is cardiac dysrhythmias. Elevated potassium levels can alter the electrical activity of the heart, leading to abnormal heart rhythms.
Tall tented T waves on an electrocardiogram (ECG) are a classic sign of hyperkalemia. These changes occur because the elevated potassium affects the repolarization phase of the cardiac action potential.
If untreated, severe hyperkalemia can lead to life-threatening arrhythmias such as ventricular fibrillation or asystole, which require immediate medical intervention.

Explanation of Other Options:

Increased blood pressure

Rationale: Hyperkalemia typically does not cause increased blood pressure. While blood pressure can be influenced by various factors, hyperkalemia mainly affects the electrical activity of the heart rather than directly causing hypertension.

Decreased urine output

Rationale: While decreased urine output can be associated with kidney issues, it is not a direct complication of hyperkalemia. Decreased urine output may occur in conditions that cause hyperkalemia, such as acute kidney injury, but it is not caused by the elevated potassium itself.

Acute kidney injury

Rationale: Acute kidney injury can lead to hyperkalemia due to the kidneys' inability to excrete potassium effectively. However, acute kidney injury is a cause rather than a complication of hyperkalemia.

Conclusion:

The most significant and direct complication of hyperkalemia is the potential for cardiac dysrhythmias and the appearance of tall tented T waves on an ECG. Recognizing and treating hyperkalemia promptly is essential to prevent serious cardiac events.