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PMLS Medical Technology Education Practice Exam

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Which electrolyte abnormality is closely associated with life-threatening arrhythmias and is routinely checked in chemistry panels?
Correct Answer:
Potassium
Explanation:
Potassium directly shapes the heart’s electrical activity. The heart’s resting membrane potential and the way it repolarizes are highly sensitive to extracellular potassium levels, so even small changes can dramatically alter conduction and trigger dangerous rhythms. That makes potassium disturbances a common, urgent cause of life-threatening arrhythmias. Because of this, potassium is consistently included in chemistry panels (like CMP or BMP) to detect imbalances early and manage them before they lead to arrhythmias. On an ECG, high potassium can cause peaked T waves and widening of the QRS, potentially progressing to severe conduction problems; low potassium can produce U waves and prolonged repolarization, increasing the risk of dangerous rhythms as well.

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