What is the earliest ECG sign indicating hyperkalemia?

What is the earliest ECG sign indicating hyperkalemia?

• A. Tall tented T waves
• B. Prolonged QT interval
• C. AV blocks
• D. Peaked P waves

Answer: (A)

Tall, tented T waves are indeed the earliest ECG change that suggests hyperkalemia. As potassium levels in the blood increase, the resting membrane potential of cardiac cells becomes less negative, which leads to changes in the repolarization process. The characteristic tall and peaked T waves result from an accelerated repolarization of the ventricles due to higher extracellular potassium levels. These changes can be vital clues for healthcare providers, as they allow for prompt recognition and treatment of elevated potassium levels, which can lead to serious complications such as cardiac arrest if not addressed. In contrast, while prolonged QT intervals, AV blocks, and peaked P waves may indicate other cardiac disturbances associated with electrolyte imbalances or different underlying conditions, they do not specifically represent the early changes of hyperkalemia on an ECG. Thus, tall tented T waves serve as the most immediate and recognizable sign in the context of hyperkalemia.

Tall, tented T waves are indeed the earliest ECG change that suggests hyperkalemia. As potassium levels in the blood increase, the resting membrane potential of cardiac cells becomes less negative, which leads to changes in the repolarization process. The characteristic tall and peaked T waves result from an accelerated repolarization of the ventricles due to higher extracellular potassium levels.

These changes can be vital clues for healthcare providers, as they allow for prompt recognition and treatment of elevated potassium levels, which can lead to serious complications such as cardiac arrest if not addressed.

In contrast, while prolonged QT intervals, AV blocks, and peaked P waves may indicate other cardiac disturbances associated with electrolyte imbalances or different underlying conditions, they do not specifically represent the early changes of hyperkalemia on an ECG. Thus, tall tented T waves serve as the most immediate and recognizable sign in the context of hyperkalemia.