Recognition and Treatment of Potentially Fatal Hyperkalemia in the Emergency Department

Abstract

Acute hyperkalemia can be challenging to recognize clinically since its presentation may be vague. Hyperkalemia can be catastrophic in its outcome, leading to sudden death from cardiac arrhythmias if not recognized and treated emergently. This fact emphasizes the critical need to have a vigilant eye for these cases, provide emergent care, and have timely intervention in order to save patients at risk. We are presenting three cases with hyperkalemia with different outcomes.