Word parts
What it means
Too much potassiumpuh-TAS-ee-umA mineral in the blood that nerves and muscles, including the heart, need in order to work.Full entry in the blood. It is most often seen when the kidneys cannot get rid of potassium, and with some drugs, such as potassium-sparing diuretics and ACE inhibitors. A high level can cause muscle weakness and dangerous heart rhythms; peaked T waves are a classic ECG change.
For the nurse
Report a high value at once and put the client on a cardiac monitor as ordered. A result from a hemolyzed blood sample can read falsely high, so a surprising value is usually redrawn.
Remember it
Hyper is high, like a hyperactive child bouncing off the walls.
At a glance
| Spanish | hiperpotasemia |
|---|---|
| Also written | hyperkalaemia, hyperkalemic |
Easy to confuse with
hypokalemia
A blood potassium level below normal, under 3.5 mEq/L.
Related terms
potassium
A mineral in the blood that nerves and muscles, including the heart, need in order to work.