Abstract

MORENO-RUIZ, Nelson L.  and  PARRA, Humberto. Hypercalemia: ¿Are we using insulin correctly?. rev.fac.med. [online]. 2011, vol.59, n.2, pp.149-154. ISSN 0120-0011.

Potassium is the main intracellular cation and determines potential cell rest. Hypercaliemia is thus frequently, but not always, associated with severe renal failure. It is a potentially fatal entity due to its ability to produce arrhythmias. Several therapeutic options are intended to stabilize the membrane and redistribute potassium to the cell in acute treatment whilst a patient is undergoing dialysis. Insulin is given in such treatment as it rapidly lowers potassium levels, even though such reduction is transitory. Nevertheless, insulin may be given in several ways depending on the school of formation, availability of resources and a doctor's particular knowledge.

Keywords : potassium; hyperkalemia; insulin.

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