ATI Medsurg Proctored Final Exam Related

Review ATI Medsurg Proctored Final Exam related questions and content

A nurse is reviewing the EKG strip of a client who has prolonged vomiting. Which of the following abnormalities on the client's EKG should the nurse interpret as a sign of hypokalemia?

  • A. Flat T wave
  • B. Prominent U wave
  • C. ST elevation
  • D. Wide QRS complex
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Prominent U wave. Hypokalemia, or low potassium levels, can cause the U wave to become more prominent on an EKG strip. This is due to delayed repolarization of the ventricles. A flat T wave (choice A) is typically associated with ischemia or infarction. ST elevation (choice C) is often seen in conditions like myocardial infarction. A wide QRS complex (choice D) is indicative of conduction abnormalities. Choices E, F, and G are not relevant to the interpretation of hypokalemia on an EKG strip.