To ask about potassium levels

[Villagegreenpreservation]

Has anyone ever had or know anyone who has been admitted to hospital after high potassium levels? MIL currently at a and e and been there hours - we’ve offered to go up and let FIL come home as he is in poor health but they say no. What can we expect? Google suggests she may get put on IV treatment but she’s had nothing in 8 hours bar a blood test and ECG. she’s prone to pushing for treatment for everything- however small- so we struggle to know how serious this is but I want to help. Anyone?

Are her kidneys ok? Usually a high potassium is related to some kidney issues. Depends on how high. High potassium levels can cause ECG changes hence why they have carried out an ECG. There are a few treatments for high potassium but depends in the cause and the actual potassium level.

It depends how high her potassium is, and whether it's affecting her kidneys.

Context is everything with potassium levels, long term renal patients can endure levels that would have you or I at our last gasp. The medical team will be trying to understand why this has happened. If she's not immediately symptomatic they might be able to monitor and wait for it to drop but the question is what's pushed it high, that's the element that really needs treating.

Regularly an issue for me , IV fluids the usual treatment but if very high they will use a flush which can be quite sore going in - it attracts the surplus potassium and it leaves when you pee. Follow up needs to be to made though as if it’s a one off may be due to issues with kidneys vs dehydration. The ECG will have shown if the potassium has affected heart function , the fact you’ve not been prioritised is good news

She had thyroid put 2 years ago and has regular bloods to check levels including calcium but other than that not aware of any kidney issues - only her thyroid gone and taking thyroxine

It also depends on why she has gone to ED, often GP bloods take a while to arrive at the lab and are therefore falsely high, they get repeated in ED and are normal.

I'd it is actually high, it's often a kidney issue. Treatment would be a drip, but also sure works need treatment for the underlying cause as well.

Well you won't believe this but after 11 hours in a and e, more tears there, her new bloods were fine so they queried original results with GP surgery to find THEY MIXED THEM UP. They were normal. I feel sorry for whoever hasn't got their result and likely should be in hospital right now. I'm happy she's ok of course and I know mistakes happen but wow. I would have thought bloods would be double and triple checked.