the nurse reviews a clients electrolyte laboratory report and notes that the potassium level is 2.5 meq/l…

the nurse reviews a clients electrolyte laboratory report and notes that the potassium level is 2.5 meq/l (2.5 mmol/l). which patterns would the nurse watch for on the electrocardiogram (ecg) as a result of the laboratory value? select all that apply.

the nurse reviews a clients electrolyte laboratory report and notes that the potassium level is 2.5 meq/l (2.5 mmol/l). which patterns would the nurse watch for on the electrocardiogram (ecg) as a result of the laboratory value? select all that apply.

Answer

Brief Explanations:

  • Hypokalemia (potassium level (2.5\ mEq/L) which is below the normal range of (3.5 - 5.0\ mEq/L)) affects the ECG.
  • U - waves are a characteristic finding in hypokalemia.
  • Inverted T - waves can also occur due to the electrical changes in the heart cells caused by low potassium.
  • The ST segment may be depressed as a result of the altered membrane potential and repolarization processes in hypokalemia.
  • Absent P - waves are more commonly associated with atrial fibrillation or other atrial - related dysrhythmias not directly due to hypokalemia.
  • A widened QRS complex is more typical of hyperkalemia (high potassium) or other conduction disorders rather than hypokalemia.

Answer:

  1. U waves, 3. Inverted T waves, 4. Depressed ST segment