Surgery>>>>>Fluid and Electrolyte Management of the Surgical Patient
Question 3#

Which of the following is an early sign of hyperkalemia?

A. Peaked T waves
B. Peaked P waves
C. Peaked (shortened) QRS complex
D. Peaked U waves

Correct Answer is A

Comment:

Symptoms of hyperkalemia are primarily GI, neuromuscular, and cardiovascular. GI symptoms include nausea, vomiting, intestinal colic, and diarrhea; neuromuscular symptoms range from weakness to ascending paralysis to respiratory failure; while cardiovascular manifestations range from electrocardiogram (ECG) changes to cardiac arrhythmias and arrest. ECG changes that may be seen with hyperkalemia include:

1. Peaked T waves (early change)
2. Flattened P wave
3. Prolonged PR interval (first -degree block)
4. Widened QRS complex
5. Sine wave formation
6. Ventricular fibrillation