Which EKG pattern is associated with hypokalemia and should be reported immediately?

Which EKG pattern is associated with hypokalemia and should be reported immediately?

• A. ST depression and U waves
• B. Sinus tachycardia
• C. Sinus bradycardia
• D. Sinus arrhythmia

Answer: (A)

Hypokalemia alters how the heart muscle repolarizes, so the ECG shows ST segment depression with prominent U waves. This combination is a classic sign of low potassium and indicates a need for urgent assessment and correction to prevent dangerous arrhythmias. Other patterns like sinus tachycardia, bradycardia, or sinus arrhythmia aren’t specific to potassium levels and don’t carry the same immediate implication.

Hypokalemia alters how the heart muscle repolarizes, so the ECG shows ST segment depression with prominent U waves. This combination is a classic sign of low potassium and indicates a need for urgent assessment and correction to prevent dangerous arrhythmias. Other patterns like sinus tachycardia, bradycardia, or sinus arrhythmia aren’t specific to potassium levels and don’t carry the same immediate implication.