Hyperkalemia Treatment - Insulin/Dextrose

In this episode we briefly review hyperkalemia and the principles of emergent treatment. Then we explore, in-depth, the role of insulin and dextrose including the incidence of hypoglycemia and pearls to reduce this side effect. Pearls: 10-20% of patients treated with insulin/dextrose for hyperkalemia get hypoglycemic Consider giving 5 units insulin instead of 10 units Check the glucose for hours (dextrose lasts Beware of insulin in patients with renal insufficiency or with near normal starting glucose. Thanks for listening! Lauren