Fundamentals Of Nursing Health And Wellness Practice Test

Which ECG change is commonly associated with hyperkalemia?

Low T waves ST-segment elevation Tall, peaked T waves Prolonged QT interval

Correct Answer:

Tall, peaked T waves

Explanation:

Elevated potassium directly changes how heart cells repolarize, so the hallmark ECG finding is tall, peaked T waves. Potassium increases speed of repolarization, which makes the T waves become more prominent early in hyperkalemia. This change is a classic early clue that potassium is high. As levels rise further, other changes can develop, like P waves flattening and PR interval lengthening, followed by QRS widening and even a sine-wave pattern that can lead to dangerous rhythms. The other patterns don’t fit hyperkalemia: low T waves point to hypokalemia, ST-segment elevation usually signals ischemia or injury, and a prolonged QT interval isn’t typical for high potassium ( QT may actually shorten).

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