In a patient with hypokalemia, which ECG change is expected?

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Multiple Choice

In a patient with hypokalemia, which ECG change is expected?

Explanation:
Low potassium levels slow ventricular repolarization, which changes the ECG in a distinctive way. T waves lose height and can become flat, and a small U wave often appears after the T wave. This combination—flattened T waves with a prominent U wave—is classic for hypokalemia and is usually accompanied by ST-segment depression and a longer QT interval, reflecting delayed repolarization. In contrast, tall T waves are seen with high potassium, and ST elevation points to other conditions like myocardial injury. So the hallmark change you’d expect with hypokalemia is T waves that are flattened with the appearance of U waves.

Low potassium levels slow ventricular repolarization, which changes the ECG in a distinctive way. T waves lose height and can become flat, and a small U wave often appears after the T wave. This combination—flattened T waves with a prominent U wave—is classic for hypokalemia and is usually accompanied by ST-segment depression and a longer QT interval, reflecting delayed repolarization. In contrast, tall T waves are seen with high potassium, and ST elevation points to other conditions like myocardial injury. So the hallmark change you’d expect with hypokalemia is T waves that are flattened with the appearance of U waves.

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