A crush injury case described includes crush injuries with severe hyperkalemia. Which electrolyte disturbance is highlighted?

A crush injury case described includes crush injuries with severe hyperkalemia. Which electrolyte disturbance is highlighted?

• A. Hypokalemia
• B. Hyperkalemia
• C. Hyponatremia
• D. Hypercalcemia

Answer: (B)

Crush injuries cause massive cell rupture and tissue necrosis, releasing potassium that's normally inside cells into the extracellular space. This surge elevates serum potassium levels, so hyperkalemia is the electrolyte disturbance highlighted in this scenario. Hyperkalemia can rapidly progress to dangerous heart rhythm problems, which is why it’s the focus in crush injury patients. While other imbalances like hyponatremia may occur in trauma, the hallmark electrolyte issue here is high potassium. Treatment priorities center on stabilizing the heart with calcium, shifting potassium into cells (e.g., insulin with glucose, bicarbonate, or beta-agonists), and removing excess potassium if needed.

Crush injuries cause massive cell rupture and tissue necrosis, releasing potassium that's normally inside cells into the extracellular space. This surge elevates serum potassium levels, so hyperkalemia is the electrolyte disturbance highlighted in this scenario. Hyperkalemia can rapidly progress to dangerous heart rhythm problems, which is why it’s the focus in crush injury patients. While other imbalances like hyponatremia may occur in trauma, the hallmark electrolyte issue here is high potassium. Treatment priorities center on stabilizing the heart with calcium, shifting potassium into cells (e.g., insulin with glucose, bicarbonate, or beta-agonists), and removing excess potassium if needed.