]> 2026-07-31T09:40:52+00:00 WBR0904 0 en Repeat blood test Administer IV saline IV saline is not the first step in the management of a patient having an elevated potassium level. The first step in the management of hyperkalemia is to rule out pseudohyperkalemia by rechecking the electrolytes level. Order an EKG Once the blood test to confirm for potassium levels is ordered, EKG should be done to check the any EKG changes. The management of the patient depends on the presence or absence of EKG changes and the hemodynamic status of the patient. If EKG changes are present, the management of the patient should target the following:<br> 1. Myocardial stabilization<br> 2. Shift potassium from blood into cells<br> 3. Lower total body potassium Administer calcium gluconate Discontinue his hypertension medication A 70 year old male patient is hospitalized for pneumonia requiring an IV course of antibiotics. On the third day of hospitalization, the patient reports less dyspnea and shows overall clinical improvement. His vital signs are: temperature of 37.2 degrees celsius, blood pressure of 120/68 mmHg and heart rate of 70 bpm. The patient has a previous history of myocardial infarction and hypertension. His medications include aspirin, statin and ACE inhibitors. His electrolytes ordered in the morning show the following results: <br> Sodium: 139 mEq/L <br> Potassium: 5.5 mEq/L <br> Calcium: 10 mg/dl <br> Phosphorus: 3.9 mg/dl <br> Magnesium: 1.68 mg/dl <br> <br> Which of the following is a first step in the management of the patient? A 2020-10-28T02:02:32Z 2459150.5850926 WBR0904