Final answer:
The correct treatments for hyperkalemia include calcium gluconate and addressing the underlying cause of the condition. Potassium channel blockers like amiodarone and procainamide affect the repolarization phase of action potentials in the heart.
Step-by-step explanation:
The appropriate treatments for hyperkalemia, which is an elevated potassium level in the blood, include a variety of interventions. Calcium gluconate is often administered to counteract the effects of potassium on the heart, stabilizing the cardiac membrane. Treating the underlying cause of hyperkalemia is crucial for resolving the condition. This could involve addressing issues such as renal failure, dehydration, or hormonal imbalances like Addison's disease. While glucagon can influence blood glucose levels and indirectly affect potassium levels, its direct role in the management of hyperkalemia is less clear and typically is not a primary treatment option. Buffered solutions, like sodium bicarbonate, may be used in certain cases to help shift potassium from the extracellular fluid back into cells, thus lowering the potassium in the blood.
Potassium channel blockers like amiodarone and procainamide treat abnormal electrical activity in the heart by impeding the movement of potassium through voltage-gated channels. They would primarily affect the repolarization phase of the action potential, which is necessary for cells to return to a resting state after depolarization.