Question

The nurse reviews a client's electrolyte laboratory report and notes that the potassium level is 2.5 mEq/L (2.5 mmol/L). Which patterns should the nurse watch for on the electrocardiogram (ECG) as a result of the laboratory value? Select all that apply.

a. U waves
b. Absent P waves
c. Inverted T waves
d. Depressed ST segment
e. Widened QRS complex

Answer 1

For a patient with a potassium level of 2.5 mEq/L, the nurse should watch for U waves, flattened T waves, and depressed ST segments on the ECG. Absent P waves and widened QRS complexes are generally not associated with hypokalemia. The correct option is a,c,d.

Step-by-step explanation:

A student has asked which patterns should be watched for on the electrocardiogram (ECG) as a result of a low potassium level of 2.5 mEq/L (2.5 mmol/L). Low potassium levels, or hypokalemia, can alter cardiac electrical activity and are associated with specific ECG changes.

On an ECG, the findings associated with hypokalemia include:

1. U waves: Prominent U waves may appear
2. Flattened T waves: The T waves may become flatter
3. Depressed ST segments: The ST segments may be depressed below the baseline

Patterns a, c, and d are directly related to a decrease in potassium levels. However, Absent P waves and Widened QRS complexes are typically not directly associated with hypokalemia. Instead, an absent P wave may indicate atrial fibrillation, and a widened QRS complex could suggest conditions like ventricular tachycardia. The correct option is a,c,d.