Hyperkalemia — NCLEX Cheat Sheet
K+ > 5.0 mEq/L
👤 By the CinnaRN Clinical Content Team
🕐 Updated 2026-07-11
🏷️ Physiological Adaptation
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Use this quick-reference guide to spot, treat, and prevent Hyperkalemia on the NCLEX. Keep it handy during review and on exam day!
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- Renal failure = #1 cause
- K-sparing diuretics, ACE, ARBs
- Acidosis, cell lysis, burns
- Peaked T waves, wide QRS
- Muscle twitch → flaccid paralysis
- ↑ bowel sounds, diarrhea
- Ca gluconate → protects heart
- Insulin + D50, albuterol shift in
- Kayexalate, dialysis remove K+
- Cardiac arrest / lethal arrhythmia
- Avoid K+ foods, salt substitutes
✨Quick Tip
Earliest signs are muscle twitching/cramps progressing to weakness and flaccid paralysis.
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