A patient in the emergency room was admitted due to hypertension with a blood pressure of 160/100 mmHg. Blood test shows potassium level is at 5.5 mEq/L, calcium is 9.2 mg/dl, sodium is 139, and the ECG results show irregular cardiac rhythm. Which imbalance is the patient experiencing?
Explanation
• Normal potassium ranges from 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L. This patient is
• Normal calcium range: 9–10.5 mg/dl.
• Normal sodium range: 136–145 mEq/L.