Final answer:
Hypokalemia, or low potassium levels, can cause four EKG changes: T-wave flattening or inversion, ST-segment depression, U wave, and prolonged QT interval.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hypokalemia, or low potassium levels in the blood, can cause several changes on an electrocardiogram (ECG), which measures the heart's electrical activity. The four EKG changes seen with hypokalemia are:
- T-wave flattening or inversion: The T wave on the ECG, which represents ventricular repolarization, becomes flat or inverted in hypokalemia.
- ST-segment depression: The ST segment, which represents the time between ventricular depolarization and repolarization, may be depressed below the baseline in hypokalemia.
- U wave: An additional wave called the U wave may appear after the T wave in hypokalemia. The U wave represents delayed repolarization of the Purkinje fibers.
- Prolonged QT interval: The QT interval on the ECG, which measures the time it takes for ventricular depolarization and repolarization, becomes prolonged in hypokalemia.
These EKG changes reflect the abnormal electrical activity in the heart that can occur with low potassium levels.