What is the primary treatment for suspected Hyperkalemia in ALS for asystole?

The primary treatment for suspected hyperkalemia in the context of asystole, or a lack of electrical activity in the heart, in advanced life support (ALS) protocols typically involves the administration of Calcium Chloride. Hyperkalemia, characterized by elevated potassium levels, can cause adverse cardiac effects, including the risk of asystole.

Calcium Chloride acts to stabilize the cardiac membranes, thus helping to protect the heart from the dangerous effects of high potassium levels. This stabilization is crucial in the case of cardiac arrest, as maintaining some level of cardiac function and reducing the risk of further arrhythmias can be vital to patient outcomes. The 20 mg/kg dosage referenced allows for an effective response while making treatment manageable in acute settings.

While other treatments such as insulin and sodium bicarbonate can also be used to lower serum potassium levels, they are generally considered adjunctive therapies rather than primary interventions in the emergency setting of asystole due to hyperkalemia.