Interactive diabetes case 15: A 74-year-old patient with type 2 diabetes and recurrent hyperkalemia – B1

ANSWER — Incorrect.

While it is appropriate to consider and rule out hemolysis, a potassium value of 6.6 mEq/L is an emergency until proven otherwise. In general, any value over 6.0 mEq/L should be treated as an emergency. Of course, the basis for any elevation of her potassium level must be sought. The potassium value must be repeated immediately and an electrocardiogram taken to determine whether there is evidence of toxicity, such as peaked T waves or prolongation of the QRS interval.

Return to the previous choice to try again. (See "Interactive diabetes case 15: A 74-year-old patient with type 2 diabetes and recurrent hyperkalemia – A2".)