Inadvertent iatrogenic overdose of intravenous potassium salts is a rare cause of potentially lethal cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heart rhythm).
Characteristic ElectroCardioGraphic (ECG) changes and hyperkalemia (pathologically increased serum potassium) are usually found, and emergency treatment is required1. In such life-threatening circumstances, too much diagnostic weight should not be put on the serum potassium level2.
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