Electrolyte Disorders USMLE Step 1 Practice Question
A 61-year-old man with stage 4 chronic kidney disease presents with muscle weakness and palpitations. Vital signs: BP 158/92, HR 108, RR 20, Temp 37.2°C, SpO2 98%. Serum potassium is 7.2 mEq/L; ECG shows peaked T waves. He takes lisinopril and metoprolol. He receives insulin with dextrose, nebulized albuterol, and intravenous calcium gluconate without improvement. Which intervention definitively removes potassium from the body?
Answer choices
- AIntravenous calcium gluconate
- BIntravenous sodium bicarbonate
- CRegular insulin with dextrose
- DNebulized albuterol
- EHemodialysisCorrect answer
- FKayexalate to slowly remove potassium via gut
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