If hyperkalemia is suspected, which treatment should be considered?

• A. Calcium and Sodium Bicarbonate
• B. Potassium-sparing diuretics
• C. Beta-blockers
• D. Insulin with glucose

Answer: (A)

When hyperkalemia is suspected, the priority is to protect the heart and move potassium where it won’t cause problems. Calcium rapidly stabilizes the cardiac membranes, reducing the risk of dangerous arrhythmias even before potassium levels fall. Sodium bicarbonate helps if there is acidosis, promoting the shift of potassium from outside the cells into the intracellular space and lowering the extracellular potassium. Using them together addresses both immediate cardiac protection and the redistribution of potassium, making this pair the best initial treatment approach. Potassium-sparing diuretics would worsen hyperkalemia, beta-blockers can increase potassium levels, and insulin with glucose, while it lowers potassium, does not provide the immediate membrane stabilization that calcium offers.