If hyperkalemia is suspected and serum potassium levels are being drawn in the field for later laboratory testing, then a tourniquet should be used.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A tourniquet should not be used to draw blood for laboratory testing as it may cause hemoconcentration and falsely elevate serum potassium levels. Instead, the arm should be straight and the needle should be inserted without a tourniquet. If the blood is not flowing easily, the arm can be gently squeezed.

If Hyperkalemia Is Suspected and Serum Potassium Levels Are Being