How fast
Within 1–2 hours
Add to your jobs list; go now if a red flag applies.
Go now if
- K⁺ under 2.5
- Palpitations, weakness or arrhythmia
- On digoxin
Ask on the phone
- Value and trend; magnesium?
- Can they take oral? Vomiting or diarrhoea? Diuretics?
Every bleep: the basics
- Name, ward, bed, age, why they're in hospital.
- Full set of obs and the NEWS2 score — and what it was before.
- Resuscitation status (DNACPR / ReSPECT) and ceiling of care.
Ask the nurse to start
- ECG if under 3.0 or symptomatic.
- Check magnesium is sent.
Call your senior if
- K⁺ under 2.5 or arrhythmia.
When you get there
For healthcare professionals, as an aid to clinical judgement — not a substitute for it. Follow your local policy and ask a senior when in doubt.