-The most significant abnormality is a rise in the Potassium levels. The reason this is the most significant is because of the narrow physiologic range.
What abnormality is shown in the EKG?
-There are “peaked” or “tented” T waves. The T wave represents the repolarization of the ventricles which is normally demonstrates soft gradual rise following the QRS complex, however in this case the t wave is not properly formed.
Are they related?
-Yes, they are related. This is because hyperkalemia is often the cause of the peaked T waves. Normally hyperkalemia is diagnosed by a chemistry panel, but electrolyte abnormalities can be identified on an EKG. In addition to the …show more content…
This is a syndrome that occurs after trauma to skeletal muscle, causing the leaking of intracellular contents into the surrounding plasma. If there is enough soft tissue damage it is possible for there to be an increase in potassium levels outside of the cell, which is a concern because the body prefers potassium being intracellular. In our patient, this is likely the reason he is hyperkalemic. It is important to remember enough tissue damage can cause this because the normal physiologic potassium ranges are very narrow.
What may happen to the EKG if the problem continues to worsen?
-There is a typical progression on an ECG if hyperkalemia gets worse and is not reversed. This usually begin with the peaking of the T waves, followed by the peaking of the P wave which then begins to flatten. More moderate hyperkalemia changes then precede including a prolonged PR interval. It is then likely the ECG will show the widening of the QRS complex and axis shifting. If the hyperkalemia continues to worsen, it is likely to be the development of a sine wave, which is often followed by ventricular fibrillation or asystole if