Chapter 26, Problem 4CCS

Summary Introduction

Case summary:

A 72-year-old male Mr. Heyden suffered from abdominopelvic trauma. He met an accident at his farm. His left side of the body was pinned beneath the tractor and his lower quadrant appears to be compressed. He was shifted to the emergency room of the hospital and his blood pressure and heart rate were measured. Mr. Heyden also complained about the pain in the left part of his body.

Characters in the case:

Mr. Heyden and the paramedical expert.

Adequate information:

The paramedical reports showed that the blood pressure of the patient was 90/50 mm Hg (millimeters of mercury) and his heart rate was 116 beats per minute. His blood pressure was continuously falling. The blood potassium levels (K⁺) was very high of the patient.

To determine: The reason for the high blood K⁺ levels of Mr. Heyden.