CET Electrolyte Imbalances & ECG Changes

Question 1

Which ECG change is the hallmark finding of hyperkalemia?

Accepted Answer

Peaked (tall, narrow) T waves

Answer

Prominent U waves

Answer

Shortened QT interval

Answer

Delta waves

Question 2

Hypokalemia on a 12-lead ECG is most commonly identified by:

Accepted Answer

Prominent U waves with T wave flattening

Answer

Shortened PR interval

Answer

ST elevation in V1-V4

Answer

Widened QRS complex

Question 3

Hypercalcemia typically produces which ECG finding?

Accepted Answer

Shortened QT interval

Answer

Prolonged QT interval

Answer

Prominent U waves

Answer

Peaked T waves

Question 4

Which electrolyte abnormality is most strongly associated with a prolonged QT interval and risk of torsades de pointes?

Accepted Answer

Hypocalcemia

Answer

Hyperkalemia

Answer

Hypermagnesemia

Answer

Hypernatremia

Question 5

In severe hyperkalemia, the ECG 'sine wave' pattern results from:

Accepted Answer

QRS widening merging with the T wave

Answer

Atrial flutter with variable block

Answer

Accelerated junctional rhythm

Answer

Complete right bundle branch block

Question 6

In which leads are U waves most prominently seen in hypokalemia?

Accepted Answer

V2 and V3

Answer

aVR and aVL

Answer

II, III, and aVF

Answer

V5 and V6

Question 7

Hypomagnesemia on ECG most closely mimics which other electrolyte abnormality?

Accepted Answer

Hypokalemia

Answer

Hyperkalemia

Answer

Hypercalcemia

Answer

Hypernatremia