EKG shows broad T waves with prominent U waves. What electrolyte imbalance?

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Multiple Choice

EKG shows broad T waves with prominent U waves. What electrolyte imbalance?

Explanation:
Low potassium alters how the heart’s cells repolarize, so the ECG pattern you see is characteristic of hypokalemia. When extracellular potassium is low, ventricular repolarization slows and the T wave can become broader while a distinct U wave appears after the T wave. The U wave is the telltale sign here and points to hypokalemia rather than other electrolyte disturbances. This electrolyte imbalance often stems from diuretic use or GI losses and carries a risk of arrhythmias, so potassium replacement should be guided carefully with ECG monitoring. In contrast, hyperkalemia tends to produce tall, peaked T waves and a widening QRS, hypercalcemia shortens the QT interval, and hypomagnesemia more commonly predisposes to QT prolongation and torsades de pointes rather than prominent U waves.

Low potassium alters how the heart’s cells repolarize, so the ECG pattern you see is characteristic of hypokalemia. When extracellular potassium is low, ventricular repolarization slows and the T wave can become broader while a distinct U wave appears after the T wave. The U wave is the telltale sign here and points to hypokalemia rather than other electrolyte disturbances. This electrolyte imbalance often stems from diuretic use or GI losses and carries a risk of arrhythmias, so potassium replacement should be guided carefully with ECG monitoring. In contrast, hyperkalemia tends to produce tall, peaked T waves and a widening QRS, hypercalcemia shortens the QT interval, and hypomagnesemia more commonly predisposes to QT prolongation and torsades de pointes rather than prominent U waves.

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