EKG Analysis and Interpretation
Tall, narrow, peaked T waves on an EKG are most commonly associated with which electrolyte imbalance?
- ALow potassium (hypokalemia)
- BHigh potassium (hyperkalemia)
- CHigh calcium (hypercalcemia)
- DLow calcium (hypocalcemia)
Not A. Low potassium tends to flatten T waves and make U waves more prominent, the opposite pattern.
B is right. High potassium (hyperkalemia) classically produces tall, narrow, peaked or tented T waves. Because rising potassium can lead to dangerous rhythms, the technician reports this finding promptly.