A 22-year-old woman goes to the emergency department because she feels very weak and is having muscle cramping and fasciculations. Blood chemistry studies demonstrate a plasma potassium of 1.5 mEq/L. On questioning, she admits to chronic use of laxatives and diuretics to control her weight. Which of the following ECG changes would be most characteristic of changes related to her K+ level? A. Increased U wave amplitude B. Prolongation of the P wave C. Shortening of the QT interval D. Tall, symmetric, peaked T waves E. Widening of the QRS complex Explanation: The correct answer is A. Both chronic laxative use and chronic diuretic use can produce hypokalemia. Severe hypokalemia, with plasma potassium
Posted on: Fri, 21 Jun 2013 07:16:23 +0000
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