A patient in end stage renal disease is due for dialysis today suddenly needs additional help to get out of bed to use the bedside commode. He is short of breath and complains of feeling "extra tired" today. A glance at the telemetry monitor shows a new onset irregular heartbeat. What electrolyte imbalance is the most likely cause of the patient's new symptoms?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The electrolyte imbalance most likely for the patient's symptoms of weakness, fatigue, irregular heartbeat and shortness of breath is a high potassium level. The most common electrolyte imbalance most common in patients with end stage renal disease is a Hyperkalemia which refers to elevated blood potassium.

A Patient in End Stage Renal Disease Is Due for Dialysis