Final answer:
The U wave is usually seen on an ECG when a client's serum potassium level is low.
Step-by-step explanation:
The electrocardiogram (ECG) characteristic that is usually seen when a client's serum potassium level is low is U wave. The U wave is a small deflection that occurs after the T wave and represents the repolarization of the Purkinje fibers in the ventricles. A low serum potassium level can cause abnormalities in the repolarization phase of the cardiac cycle, leading to the appearance of U waves.