Which statement describes the ECG changes typical of hypokalemia?

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Study for the Adult Health HESI Exam with this comprehensive guide. Explore multiple choice questions, detailed hints, and explanations. Prepare effectively and succeed in your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which statement describes the ECG changes typical of hypokalemia?

Explanation:
Low potassium slows ventricular repolarization, changing how the ECG looks. When potassium is low, the T wave becomes flatter and a U wave often appears after the T wave. The U wave is an extra deflection that reflects delayed repolarization of parts of the ventricles. You may also see ST-segment depression and a longer QT interval as potassium falls. By contrast, tall, peaked T waves point to high potassium, and ST-segment elevation is usually related to acute myocardial injury, not hypokalemia. So, flattened T waves with a prominent U wave best describe the ECG changes in hypokalemia.

Low potassium slows ventricular repolarization, changing how the ECG looks. When potassium is low, the T wave becomes flatter and a U wave often appears after the T wave. The U wave is an extra deflection that reflects delayed repolarization of parts of the ventricles. You may also see ST-segment depression and a longer QT interval as potassium falls. By contrast, tall, peaked T waves point to high potassium, and ST-segment elevation is usually related to acute myocardial injury, not hypokalemia. So, flattened T waves with a prominent U wave best describe the ECG changes in hypokalemia.

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