A 55-year-old man presents for follow-up after a recent crush injury to his right leg. He reports weakness and tiredness. Vital signs are within normal limits and laboratory results are pending.
Numbness, weakness, paralysis, decreased reflexes, irritability, cardiac arrhythmias, and hypoventilation due to respiratory muscle weakness.
ECG Findings
Peaked T waves, prolonged PR and QT intervals, flattening of the P wave, ST depression, QRS widening, and potentially ventricular fibrillation.
Treatment
Intravenous calcium for severe hyperkalemia or ECG changes, short-acting insulin with glucose, potassium binders, loop diuretics when appropriate, beta agonists, and hemodialysis when needed.
