What EKG changes are commonly seen with hypokalemia?

What EKG changes are commonly seen with hypokalemia?

• A. Peaked T waves
• B. Prolonged QT interval
• C. Flattened or inverted T waves, prominent U waves, ST-segment depression
• D. Irregular rhythm

Answer: (C)

Low potassium slows and alters ventricular repolarization, producing a characteristic ECG pattern. The most typical changes with hypokalemia are T waves that become flattened or inverted, the appearance of prominent U waves, and ST-segment depression. The QT interval can be prolonged due to delayed repolarization, but the hallmark trio is flattened/inverted T waves, prominent U waves, and ST depression. Peaked T waves are associated with hyperkalemia, not hypokalemia, and irregular rhythm is nonspecific, even though electrolyte disturbances can predispose to arrhythmias.

Low potassium slows and alters ventricular repolarization, producing a characteristic ECG pattern. The most typical changes with hypokalemia are T waves that become flattened or inverted, the appearance of prominent U waves, and ST-segment depression. The QT interval can be prolonged due to delayed repolarization, but the hallmark trio is flattened/inverted T waves, prominent U waves, and ST depression. Peaked T waves are associated with hyperkalemia, not hypokalemia, and irregular rhythm is nonspecific, even though electrolyte disturbances can predispose to arrhythmias.