Prepare for the Cleveland Clinic EKG Test with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Gain insights with hints and explanations. Ace your exam today!

Multiple Choice

Which changes occur on ECG with hypokalemia?

Potassium levels shape how the heart repolarizes after each beat. In hypokalemia, repolarization is slowed, so the ECG shows flattened or inverted T waves, a prominent U wave after the T wave, ST-segment depression, and a longer QT interval. This combination reflects delayed ventricular repolarization and creates a substrate for dangerous arrhythmias like torsades de Pointes. The pattern described in the other choice—tall, peaked T waves with ST elevation—fits hyperkalemia, not hypokalemia, and QT shortening is not a feature of hypokalemia.

Potassium levels shape how the heart repolarizes after each beat. In hypokalemia, repolarization is slowed, so the ECG shows flattened or inverted T waves, a prominent U wave after the T wave, ST-segment depression, and a longer QT interval. This combination reflects delayed ventricular repolarization and creates a substrate for dangerous arrhythmias like torsades de Pointes. The pattern described in the other choice—tall, peaked T waves with ST elevation—fits hyperkalemia, not hypokalemia, and QT shortening is not a feature of hypokalemia.