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Hyperkalaemic cardiac arrest — DIPIMC MCQ

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HardResuscitationHyperkalaemic cardiac arrestDIPIMCDipIMC

A patient with end-stage renal failure who has missed dialysis sessions arrests with a pulseless organised rhythm. Earlier the monitor had shown tall, peaked T waves and the QRS was broadening.

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: B — Hyperkalaemia - give intravenous calcium

Explanation lettering: D = shown as A · E = shown as D · A = shown as E

A dialysis-dependent patient with missed sessions, peaked T waves and a broad QRS who arrests in a PEA-type rhythm has hyperkalaemia as the most likely reversible cause, and intravenous calcium is the immediate myocardial-protective treatment. Hypovolaemia (A) is plausible in many arrests but does not fit this specific picture. Use the 4 Hs and 4 Ts and let the history and ECG point you to the cause.

Reference: Resuscitation Council UK 2025 (special circumstances)