What is one of the primary actions of Calcium Chloride?

Calcium Chloride is primarily known for its role in counteracting hyperkalemia, which is a condition characterized by elevated potassium levels in the blood. When there is too much potassium, it can lead to serious cardiac arrhythmias and potentially life-threatening complications. Calcium acts as a protective agent for the heart in these situations; it helps stabilize the cardiac membrane and reduces the risk of arrhythmia by competing with potassium for cardiac muscle cell receptors.

While Calcium Chloride can indeed influence blood pressure and heart rate, its most significant and clinically relevant action in emergency medicine is its ability to mitigate the effects of high potassium levels. This is why it is often administered during cases of hyperkalemia, especially when patients show signs of cardiac instability. Its role in improving respiratory function is not a primary indication, making the ability to counteract hyperkalemia the key and most relevant action of Calcium Chloride in this context.