Final answer:
Elevated potassium levels (hyperkalemia) can have a significant impact on ECG readings by causing an inability of cells to repolarize, which can lead to fatal consequences. Hyperkalemia can also affect the nervous system and result in symptoms such as mental confusion and weakened respiratory muscles.
Step-by-step explanation:
Elevated levels of potassium (hyperkalemia) can have a significant impact on ECG readings. When there is an increase in potassium levels, the plasma membrane of skeletal muscle fibers, neurons, and cardiac cells in the heart can experience partial depolarization, leading to an inability of cells to repolarize. In the case of the heart, this results in the inability to relax after a contraction, which can cause the heart to seize and stop pumping blood, leading to a fatal outcome. Additionally, hyperkalemia can affect the nervous system and result in symptoms such as mental confusion, numbness, and weakened respiratory muscles.