A patient has hyperkalaemia of 7.2 mmol/L with peaked T waves. What is the first intervention?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Intravenous calcium gluconate
- Step 1: Calcium stabilises the cardiac cell membrane against arrhythmia.
- Step 2: Insulin with glucose then shifts potassium into cells.
Answer
Intravenous calcium gluconate.
Why not the others: 'Oral potassium binder only' acts too slowly for ECG changes; 'Furosemide only' does not protect the heart immediately; 'Intravenous normal saline alone' does not stabilise the cardiac membrane.
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