Which EKG finding is commonly associated with hypokalemia?

Which EKG finding is commonly associated with hypokalemia?

• A. Prolonged QT interval
• B. Peaked T waves
• C. Flat T waves with prominent U waves
• D. ST segment elevation

Answer: (C)

Low potassium slows ventricular repolarization, which changes the T wave and can reveal a distinct U wave. The most characteristic pattern with hypokalemia is flat or flattened T waves combined with a prominent U wave after the T wave. This reflects altered repolarization due to potassium deficiency. By contrast, peaked T waves point to hyperkalemia, ST-segment elevation signals acute injury such as myocardial infarction, and a prolonged QT can occur in various contexts but is not the hallmark finding of hypokalemia. So the flat T waves with a prominent U wave best identify hypokalemia on an ECG.

Low potassium slows ventricular repolarization, which changes the T wave and can reveal a distinct U wave. The most characteristic pattern with hypokalemia is flat or flattened T waves combined with a prominent U wave after the T wave. This reflects altered repolarization due to potassium deficiency. By contrast, peaked T waves point to hyperkalemia, ST-segment elevation signals acute injury such as myocardial infarction, and a prolonged QT can occur in various contexts but is not the hallmark finding of hypokalemia. So the flat T waves with a prominent U wave best identify hypokalemia on an ECG.