Electrolyte Management in Critical Care · NCLEX Exam

In a patient with acute kidney injury and rising serum potassium in the ICU, the first priority intervention is to:

  1. Administer oral potassium binders only
  2. Begin insulin plus glucose with ECG monitoring
  3. Restrict dietary potassium and observe overnight
  4. Give a large infusion of 0.9% NaCl
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Correct answer: Begin insulin plus glucose with ECG monitoring

In acute hyperkalemia with ECG changes, the priority is shifting potassium intracellularly (e.g., insulin + glucose) while monitoring the heart.

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