Discharge Instructions for Hyperkalemia

Diet changes

Eat less of these potassium-rich foods:

• Bananas

• Apricots, fresh or dried

• Prunes, dates, and raisins

• Nectarines

• Kiwifruit

• Oranges and orange juice

• Grapefruit juice

• Tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato juice

• Spinach

• Green, leafy vegetables, including salad greens, kale, broccoli, chard, and collards

• Melons of all kinds

• Peas

• Beans

• Potatoes

• Sweet potatoes

• Avocados and guacamole

• Vegetable juice (homemade or store-bought) and vegetable juice cocktail

• Fruit juices

• Nuts, including pistachios, almonds, peanuts, hazelnuts, Brazil nuts, cashews, or mixed nuts

• "Lite" or reduced-sodium salt, or salt substitutes

Other home care

• Tell your doctor about all prescription and over-the-counter medicines you take. Also tell them about herbal or dietary supplements you are taking. Certain medicines and supplements can increase potassium levels.

• Take all medicines exactly as directed.

• Have your potassium levels checked regularly.

• Keep all follow-up appointments. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition closely.

• Learn to take your own pulse. If your pulse is less than 60 beats per minute, greater than 100 beats per minute, or irregular, call your doctor.

Follow-up

Follow up with your doctor as advised.

When to contact your doctor

Contact your doctor right away if you have:

• A slow, irregular heartbeat.

• Fatigue.

• Dizziness.

• Lightheadedness.

• Confusion.

• Weakness.

Call 911

Call 911 if you have:

• Chest pain.

• Fainting.

• Shortness of breath.