Hyperkalaemia management (adult UK pathway)
A source-linked educational visual of adult hyperkalaemia ECG assessment, cardiac protection, potassium shifting and monitoring from UK Kidney Association guidance.
Important safety note
This visual algorithm is an educational representation of published UK clinical guidance and is not a substitute for clinical judgement, local protocols, senior/specialist advice, or the original guideline. Verify current guidance before clinical use.
Scope and source
- Scope
- Adults with acute hyperkalaemia in UK emergency and acute-care services.
- Jurisdiction
- UK
- Primary guidance
- UK Kidney Association: Clinical practice guideline for treatment of acute hyperkalaemia in adults
- Guidance last updated
- 2023-10-01
- Clinical reference reviewed
- 2026-09-08
- Review due
- 2027-03-08
Interactive clinical algorithm
This source-backed visual algorithm is available in the interactive page experience. Open the original guidance and the node notes before clinical use.
How to read this visual
- Read across the columns for the phases of the pathway; the swimlanes are who acts — Emergency and acute care team, ECG and blood results, Renal and critical care.
- Bold marks the dose, threshold or time limit that decides the next step; the rest of a label is context.
- Start with ECG and clinical instability while repeating/confirming potassium as appropriate.
- Open notes for repeat blood tests, glucose monitoring and renal-replacement-therapy escalation.
Clinical notes
- Use current local medicine guidance for drug doses, access and monitoring.
- Identify and treat the cause, including AKI, medicines, acidosis, tissue breakdown and dialysis access failure.
Sources
- UK Kidney Association hyperkalaemia guideline (UK Kidney Association; 2023-10-01)
Open an editable reference copy
Create a personal educational copy. Verify the original guidance before clinical use.