Patient Care Technician (PCT) AAH Practice Exam

What does hyperkalemia indicate?

1. Deficient potassium in the blood

2. Excessive potassium in the blood

3. Normal potassium levels

4. Low calcium

The correct answer is: Excessive potassium in the blood

Hyperkalemia indicates an excessive level of potassium in the blood. In the human body, potassium plays a crucial role in various physiological processes, including muscle function and heart rhythm. When potassium levels exceed the normal range, it can lead to serious health consequences, such as cardiac arrhythmias, muscle weakness, and in severe cases, cardiac arrest. Understanding hyperkalemia is important for patient care technicians, as it can inform decisions regarding patient monitoring, dietary recommendations, and medical interventions. A careful assessment of electrolyte levels is essential in patients who may be at risk for imbalances, whether due to kidney dysfunction, certain medications, or dietary factors. The other options provide different conditions related to potassium or calcium levels, which do not apply to the definition of hyperkalemia. This underscores the importance of clearly understanding the terminology related to electrolyte imbalances in clinical settings.