AEMCA Practice Exam

What is the lab value indicative of hyperkalemia?

1. Below 3.5 mEq/dL

2. 5 mEq/dL or lower

3. Above 5 mEq/dL

4. Between 3.5 and 5 mEq/dL

The correct answer is: Above 5 mEq/dL

Hyperkalemia is characterized by elevated levels of potassium in the blood, and it is typically defined as a potassium concentration exceeding 5 mEq/dL. This condition can result from various factors, including renal failure, excessive dietary potassium intake, or certain medications, and can lead to serious complications such as cardiac arrhythmias. It is important to understand the context of normal potassium levels to grasp why the value above 5 mEq/dL is considered indicative of hyperkalemia. Normal serum potassium levels typically range from 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/dL. Any value greater than this range suggests that there is an excess of potassium in the bloodstream, confirming the diagnosis of hyperkalemia. Values below 3.5 mEq/dL, as well as those around and below 5 mEq/dL, do not indicate hyperkalemia but rather can be associated with hypokalemia or normal potassium levels, respectively. Therefore, recognizing the cutoff value of 5 mEq/dL is crucial for identifying hyperkalemia in clinical practice.