Table 1.
Audit 1 laboratory values and ECG findings at initial presentation to the ED for patients presenting with hyperkalemia
| Laboratory parameter | Mean ± SD | ECG rhythma | n (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Potassium (mEq/l) | 6.73 ± 0.78 | Normal or unchanged ECG | 47 (40) |
| Glucose (mg/dl) | 186 ± 227 | PTW | 50 (43) |
| Creatinine (mg/dl) (non-ESRD) | 3.1 ± 3.3 | Widening of QRS | 9 (7) |
| Creatinine (mg/dl) (ESRD) | 11.7 ± 4.1 | Sinus bradycardia with PTW | 2 (1.7) |
| Bicarbonate (mEq/l) | 20.1 ± 7.6 | Ventricular fibrillation | 1 (0.8) |
| Junctional rhythm | 5 (4) | ||
| Sine wave | 1 (0.8) | ||
ECG, electroencephalographic; ED, emergency department; ESRD, end-stage renal disease; PTW, peaked T wave.
a
Of 155 cases, 115 had ECG or telemetry findings recorded in the chart for review.