A 68-year-old male with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 4 presents with generalized weakness. His ECG shows peaked T-waves. Laboratory tests show potassium 6.8 mEq/L. He is hemodynamically stable. What is the most appropriate initial intervention to stabilize the cardiac membrane?

The correct answer to the question "A 68-year-old male with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 4 presents with generalized weakness. His ECG shows peaked T-waves. Laboratory tests show potassium 6.8 mEq/L. He is hemodynamically stable. What is the most appropriate initial intervention to stabilize the cardiac membrane?" is Option A: Intravenous Calcium gluconate.

The other options — B) Intravenous insulin and dextrose, C) Sodium polystyrene sulfonate, D) Furosemide — are incorrect for this USMLE Exam Prep question. As explained above: Intravenous calcium gluconate rapidly stabilizes the cardiac membrane in hyperkalemia, particularly when ECG changes (like peaked T-waves) are present, reducing the risk of life-threatening arrhythmi…