Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Practice Exam

Hyperkalemia refers to a medical condition characterized by an elevated level of potassium in the bloodstream. Potassium is a critical electrolyte that plays a vital role in various bodily functions, including maintaining proper muscle function, regulating heartbeats, and ensuring normal cellular activities. An increase in potassium concentration can lead to serious health issues, including cardiac arrhythmias, muscle weakness, and other potentially life-threatening complications.

Understanding the significance of potassium levels in the body is important, as hyperkalemia can result from several factors, including kidney dysfunction, excessive dietary intake, or certain medications that affect potassium metabolism. Recognizing this condition and its implications is crucial for surgical technologists and healthcare professionals to monitor and manage the electrolyte balance in patients effectively.