Potassium emergency
NCLEX-RN glossary · Physiological Adaptation
Definition
A life-threatening deviation in serum potassium outside the 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L range, creating an immediate risk for fatal dysrhythmias or cardiac arrest.
Potassium emergency in plain English
Demands the highest priority nursing action—immediate cardiac monitoring and stabilization of the myocardium (e.g., calcium gluconate) per the Therapy Surveillance Contract. The tempting mistake is administering potassium by IV push or failing to prioritize an immediate ECG when a dangerously high or low potassium value is reported.
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