Hyperkalemia is defined as a serum potassium greater than which value?

• A. 6.5 mEq/L
• B. 7.0 mEq/L
• C. 7.5 mEq/L
• D. 8.0 mEq/L

Answer: (B)

Potassium above the upper limit of normal defines hyperkalemia. While normal potassium is roughly 3.5–5.0 mEq/L, exam conventions for this item set the definitional threshold at seven mEq/L. Reaching or exceeding this level signals a high risk of serious cardiac effects and typically prompts urgent evaluation and treatment. A value like 6.5 mEq/L is elevated and important clinically, but the defined cutoff here is seven; higher values such as 7.5 or 8.0 indicate even more severe hyperkalemia with greater risk.