A patient is admitted to the intensive care unit with hyperkalemia. The nurse caring for the patient knows that the most severe adverse effect of hyperkalemia is what?
A) Renal failure
B) Cardiac emergency
C) Liver failure
D) Respiratory distress
B
Feedback:
Monitor for cardiac irregularities because potassium is an important electrolyte in the action potential, needed for cell membrane stability. When potassium levels are too high, the cells of the heart become very irritable and rhythm disturbances can occur. Be prepared for a possible cardiac emergency. Hyperkalemia is often found in the patient with renal failure. Liver failure and respiratory distress are not generally caused by hyperkalemia.
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