Hyperkalemia and the Heart Flashcards Preview

Renal - Translational > Hyperkalemia and the Heart > Flashcards

Flashcards in Hyperkalemia and the Heart Deck (10)
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1
Q

Aside from measuring electrical activity in the heart, what else can an ECG be used for?

A

Can be used to detect rising plasma K+ levels

2
Q

How will rising plasma K+ levels affect the T-wave?

A

The T-wave will become tall, peaked, and symmetric (“tent”-shaped)

3
Q

How will rising plasma K+ levels affect the PR interval?

A

The interval becomes prolonged/wider.

4
Q

How will rising plasma K+ levels affect the P-wave?

A

Eventually disappears altogether

5
Q

How will rising plasma K+ levels affect the QRS complex?

A

Widens and eventually merges with the T-wave, forming a sine-wave pattern.

6
Q

What will happen at very high plasma K+ levels?

A

Ventricular fibrillation (can be fatal)

7
Q

How will decreasing plasma K+ levels affect the QT interval?

A

The QT interval will lengthen

8
Q

How will decreasing plasma K+ levels affect the T-wave?

A

The T-wave will flatten

9
Q

Decreasing plasma K+ levels will lead to the appearance of a?

A

U-wave

10
Q

What does the U-wave represent?

A

Delayed depolarization of the ventricles.