NREMT Paramedic Practice

What is a potential consequence of hyperkalemia?

1. Cardiac arrest

2. Fatigue

3. Shortness of breath

4. Severe headache

The correct answer is: Cardiac arrest

Hyperkalemia, which refers to an elevated level of potassium in the blood, can lead to several significant physiological effects, one of the most critical being its impact on cardiac function. High levels of potassium affect the electrical conduction system of the heart, leading to disturbances like peaked T-waves, widened QRS complexes, or even complete heart block. Ultimately, this can progress to life-threatening arrhythmias or cardiac arrest. The reason cardiac arrest is a potential consequence is due to these electrical alterations, which can impair the heart’s ability to contract effectively and maintain a proper rhythm. If these changes go unaddressed, they can precipitate a complete cessation of heart function, resulting in cardiac arrest, necessitating immediate medical intervention. While hyperkalemia can also lead to other symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and severe headaches, these manifestations are typically less immediate and life-threatening compared to the risk of cardiac arrest, highlighting why this option is identified as the most severe outcome.