Figure 2. The carbon-carbon double bond found in monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fatty acids can exist in the cis or trans configuration. When the two hydrogen atoms are on opposite sides of the double bond, the configuration is called trans.
Hyperkalemia is a medical emergency, yet the administration of insulin, in most circumstances, can wait until a pharmacy prepares a stat dose. In general, pharmacy should also prepare all insulin infusions using a standard concentration (e.g., 1 unit/mL).
What is hyperkalemia? Hyperkalemia is a higher than normal level of potassium in the blood. Although mild cases may not produce symptoms and may be easy to treat, severe cases of hyperkalemia that are left untreated can lead to fatal cardiac arrhythmias, which are abnormal heart rhythms. Am I at risk for hyperkalemia?