Question

A 56 year old male is apneic and pulseless at the dialysis clinic. You suspect him to be hyperkalemic. Which 2 medications should be considered for this case?

Answer 1

Calcium gluconate or calcium chloride, and insulin with glucose should be considered for treating a 56-year-old male with hyperkalemia, as these medications can stabilize cardiac function and lower blood potassium levels.

Step-by-step explanation:

In cases of hyperkalemia, where a 56-year-old male patient is apneic and pulseless, immediate medical intervention is necessary. Two medications that should be considered are calcium gluconate or calcium chloride, which can help to stabilize the cardiac membrane, and insulin combined with glucose, which can help to shift potassium into cells and temporarily lower the potassium levels in the blood. In a dialysis clinic, these interventions are critical to managing potentially life-threatening hyperkalemia, which can impair the function of skeletal muscles, the nervous system, and especially the heart. Administering potassium in such a situation is contraindicated, as it can further exacerbate hyperkalemia and lead to fatal consequences, such as cardiac arrest.