What immediate action should be taken if a patient shows signs of hyperkalemia?

Administering calcium gluconate is an important immediate action when a patient shows signs of hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia, which is an elevated level of potassium in the blood, can cause serious cardiac complications, including arrhythmias. Calcium gluconate acts to stabilize the cardiac membranes, protecting the heart from the effects of high potassium levels and reducing the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias.

This treatment allows time for other interventions to lower potassium levels, such as administering insulin or other therapies, while ensuring the patient’s heart is less susceptible to the dangerous impacts of hyperkalemia. By providing this protective effect, calcium gluconate plays a crucial role in acute management when hyperkalemia is suspected or confirmed.