Question

A 70-year-old man with chronic kidney disease presents with weakness. ECG shows tall peaked T waves and widened QRS complexes. Serum potassium is 7.0 mmol/L. What is the most urgent first step in management?

Accepted Answer

Administer intravenous calcium gluconate

Answer

Give oral sodium polystyrene sulfonate

Answer

Start oral sodium bicarbonate

Answer

Start long-term loop diuretic therapy

Answer

Observe and repeat potassium in 6 hours

Practice question

A 70-year-old man with chronic kidney disease presents with weakness. ECG shows tall peaked T waves and widened QRS complexes. Serum potassium is 7.0 mmol/L. What is the most urgent first step in management?