Ace the Certified Nephrology Nurse 2025 Exam – Dive into Dialysis Mastery!

In patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), hyperkalemia is the most common electrolyte imbalance encountered. This condition arises due to the kidneys' decreased ability to excrete potassium, which results in its accumulation in the bloodstream. As kidney function declines, the filtration of potassium becomes impaired, leading to elevated potassium levels.

Hyperkalemia can pose serious health risks, including cardiac arrhythmias, which makes monitoring potassium levels critical in CKD patients. The management of this electrolyte imbalance often involves dietary restrictions, medications to promote potassium excretion, or even dialysis in severe cases.

Other electrolyte disturbances can occur in CKD, but they are not as prevalent. For example, hypokalemia is less common because the kidneys usually retain potassium, and while hyponatremia can occur, it's often more associated with fluid overload rather than directly due to kidney function. Hypocalcemia is also noted in CKD due to disruptions in calcium metabolism and vitamin D activation, but immediately hyperkalemia remains the primary concern associated with CKD's progression.