Clinical CPD topic
Hyperkalaemia: practise, reflect and record
Practise hyperkalaemia through five clinical cases, review the explanations and build a professional learning record. Recognise pseudohyperkalaemia using discordant serum and promptly analysed whole-blood potassium results.
First published · Sources checked
What you’ll work on
- Recognise pseudohyperkalaemia using discordant serum and promptly analysed whole-blood potassium results.
- Distinguish immediate cardiac protection with intravenous calcium from potassium redistribution with insulin–glucose.
- Apply treatment-safety measures through post-insulin glucose surveillance and appropriate ACE-inhibitor withholding.
Think through a clinical case
Decide how you would approach this case before opening the question session.
A patient with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia has potassium 6.8 mmol/L in a serum sample, normal renal function, no potassium-raising drugs and a normal ECG. A rapidly analysed heparinised whole-blood gas shows potassium 4.4 mmol/L. What best explains the discrepancy?
A case from the UKMLA question bank. The session provides the answer and explanation after your attempt.
From a decision to a learning record
- Test your reasoning. Answer five questions from this topic’s clinical-content library.
- Explore the gaps. Review explanations and use Tutor to work through decisions that need more thought.
- Reflect on application. Describe what you learned and what you would change or investigate.
- Review your evidence. Confirm the activity and time spent, then retain or export your professional record.
Primary sources and further reading
Read the source in the same jurisdiction as your question session.
- UKKA Clinical Practice Guideline – Management of Hyperkalaemia in Adults – October 2023International source
- Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust: Hyperkalaemia guide for GPs (January 2024)UK source
- Recommendations | Chronic kidney disease: assessment and management | Guidance | NICEUK source