What is the recommended follow-up for a patient without symptoms of hypovolemia but with elevated potassium levels?

For a patient with elevated potassium levels, performing an EKG is important as it helps assess the potential impact of hyperkalemia on cardiac function. Elevated potassium can lead to significant changes in the heart's electrical activity, including peaking T-waves, widening of the QRS complex, or other arrhythmias, which could endanger the patient.

In the absence of hypovolemic symptoms, immediate hemodialysis may not be necessary unless there are life-threatening levels of potassium or significant symptoms. Close monitoring alone does not address the immediate risk to the heart and might overlook critical changes that could require urgent intervention. Administering IV fluids can sometimes be helpful, particularly in cases where hydration can help promote renal potassium excretion, but it is not the first action to take without assessing the cardiac status through an EKG. Therefore, performing an EKG allows for the best initial evaluation of any potential cardiac complications due to the elevated potassium levels, ensuring timely and appropriate management.