In a 64-year-old woman with acute renal failure, which potassium level would be considered abnormal?

In evaluating potassium levels in a patient with acute renal failure, it's important to recognize the normal physiological range for serum potassium, which typically falls between 3.5 and 5.0 mEq/L. In cases of renal failure, the kidneys struggle to excrete potassium, which can lead to hyperkalemia, a condition characterized by elevated potassium levels.

In this instance, a potassium level of 5.8 mEq/L indicates hyperkalemia, which is concerning because levels over 5.0 mEq/L can increase the risk of serious complications, especially in individuals with renal impairment. When potassium levels rise above the normal range, it poses risks such as cardiac dysrhythmias, which can be life-threatening.

Furthermore, a potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L is even higher and would be considered critically abnormal since it significantly exceeds the upper limit of normal and suggests severe hyperkalemia, requiring immediate medical intervention.

In contrast, the values of 3.5 and 4.0 mEq/L fall within the normal range, indicating adequate potassium levels. These values do not suggest any immediate concern regarding potassium homeostasis in the context of renal failure. Therefore, the potassium level of 5.8 mEq/L