Final answer:
A nurse caring for a client with hyperkalemia would expect to see ECG changes such as ventricular dysrhythmias, tall peaked T waves, and a prolonged P-R interval. Flattened T waves, which are associated with myocardial ischemia or hypokalemia, are not characteristic of hyperkalemia.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a nurse is caring for a client with hyperkalemia, specific changes on the electrocardiogram (ECG) can be anticipated. Hyperkalemia, which is characterized by elevated levels of potassium in the blood, can cause various cardiac dysrhythmias due to its impact on cardiac cell membrane potentials and conduction. ECG changes that may occur in a client with hyperkalemia include:
Ventricular dysrhythmias: Hyperkalemia can lead to dangerous rhythms like ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation.
Tall, peaked T waves: An increase in serum potassium levels is typically associated with taller and sharper T waves on an ECG.
Prolonged P-R interval: An increase in potassium levels can cause a delay in the atrial conduction, leading to a prolonged P-R interval.
It should be noted that while flattened T waves may be associated with hypokalemia (low potassium levels) or myocardial ischemia (insufficient oxygen to the myocardium), they are not characteristic of hyperkalemia. Bradycardia is a slower than normal heart rate and can occur in various conditions, including electrolyte imbalances, but it is not an ECG change specific to hyperkalemia.