 Potassium is a major intracellular electrolyte that helps us regulate our heart muscle function, so you always have to consider this rhythm is when you talk about potassium imbalances. Potassium is also regulated by the kidneys, so the kidneys regulate either the reabsorption or excretion of potassium depending on the metabolic needs of the body. So whenever there is something wrong with the kidneys, some underlying kidney issue such as chronic kidney disease as we see in patients that are on dialysis, they're always at risk for hyperkalemia because the kidneys cannot excrete that potassium and therefore they are also at risk for dysrhythmias. So whenever you think about potassium imbalances, think about A dysrhythmias and B assessing the apical pulse to see if there are any detectable irregularities in the patient's heart and then definitely always number three put them on a cardiac monitor so you can see what is going on with their rhythm in particular. Check out my full YouTube video about potassium imbalances to learn more about this important topic.