Resources to support safe and timely management of hyperkalaemia
A resource Patient Safety Alert has been issued to support safe and timely management of hyperkalaemia (high level of potassium in the blood).
The way the body responds to hyperkalaemia – a higher than normal level of potassium in the blood – is unpredictable; arrhythmias and cardiac arrest can occur without warning. It is potentially a life-threatening emergency. Timely identification, treatment and monitoring, during and beyond initial treatment is essential.
This alert signposts to a set of resources that can help organisations ensure their clinical staff have easily accessible information to guide prompt investigation, treatment and monitoring options. The resource webpage includes short videos organisations can use to help frontline staff recognise that hyperkalaemia is a medical emergency and encourage them to familiarise themselves with local guidance and equipment.