What is given to hyperkalemic patients to stabilize the myocardium?

• A. Insulin with dextrose
• B. Sodium polystyrene sulfonate
• C. Hemodialysis
• D. Calcium gluconate

Answer: (D)

Hyperkalemia disrupts the heart’s electrical activity by making cardiac cell membranes more excitable, increasing the risk of dangerous arrhythmias. The first, time-saving step is to stabilize the myocardium by giving calcium. IV calcium, typically calcium gluconate, protects the heart by raising the threshold for depolarization and reducing membrane irritability, so it helps prevent life-threatening dysrhythmias within minutes. Keep in mind that calcium does not lower potassium; it just shields the heart while other treatments lower potassium levels. After stabilization, therapies like shifting potassium into cells (for example, insulin with dextrose) or removing potassium from the body (such as dialysis or binders) are used. Calcium gluconate is often preferred because it provides rapid protection with relatively gentle IV administration.