Question

Hyperkalemia: What are the early neuromuscular assessment findings?

a) Muscle weakness and paralysis
b) Tingling and numbness
c) Irregular heart rate
d) Fatigue and confusion

Answer 1

Hyperkalemia can cause early neuromuscular assessment findings such as muscle weakness and paralysis, tingling and numbness, irregular heart rate, and fatigue and confusion.

Step-by-step explanation:

Hyperkalemia, an elevated potassium blood level, can result in early neuromusclar assessment findings such as muscle weakness and paralysis, tingling and numbness, irregular heart rate, and fatigue and confusion. This is due to the impaired function of skeletal muscles, the nervous system, and the heart caused by the elevated potassium levels. The inability of cells to repolarize can lead to partial depolarization of muscle fibers, neurons, and cardiac cells, resulting in symptoms such as weakness and paralysis. Additionally, the effects on the nervous system can cause tingling and numbness, mental confusion, and weakened respiratory muscles.