🏥 USMLE Exam Prep

A 70-year-old male with chronic kidney disease presents to the emergency department with muscle weakness and an EKG showing peaked T waves. His potassium level is 7.1 mEq/L. Which of the following is the most immediate intervention to stabilize the cardiac membrane?

A Insulin and dextrose
B Calcium gluconate
C Sodium polystyrene sulfonate
D Furosemide

✓ Correct Answer: Option B

Calcium gluconate directly stabilizes the cardiac membrane, protecting against life-threatening arrhythmias in severe hyperkalemia, making it the most immediate intervention for cardiac stability.

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