AST Surgical Technologist Practice Exam 2025 - Free Surgical Tech Practice Questions and Study Guide

Hyperkalemia refers specifically to a condition characterized by an elevated level of potassium in the bloodstream. Potassium is an essential electrolyte that plays a critical role in various bodily functions, including maintaining normal cell function, regulating heart rhythms, and supporting muscle contraction.

High levels of potassium can lead to serious health issues, such as cardiac arrhythmias and muscle weakness. It is important for healthcare providers, including surgical technologists, to understand the implications of electrolyte imbalances, as they can significantly impact patient safety and surgical outcomes.

The other options pertain to different electrolytes that, while also important, do not define the condition of hyperkalemia in particular. Sodium relates to fluid balance and blood pressure regulation, chloride helps to maintain acid-base balance, and calcium is critical for bone health and muscle function. Each of these electrolytes has its own set of conditions associated with imbalances, but hyperkalemia specifically targets potassium.