In this episode of IM Basics, Dr. Eric Acker and Dr. Tark break down the essentials of recognizing and managing hyperkalemia, a potentially life-threatening electrolyte disturbance. They discuss common presentations—ranging from dialysis patients to those with tumor lysis syndrome—and highlight key decision points in diagnosis and management.

Topics Covered:

• Common presentations of hyperkalemia and when to suspect it even without classic symptoms.
• ECG findings in hyperkalemia: from peaked T waves to sine waves.
• When to act and how aggressively, based on potassium levels and clinical stability.
• The three pillars of treatment:
  • Cardiac membrane stabilization with calcium gluconate.
  • Potassium shift therapies (e.g., insulin with dextrose ...