Hypokalaemia ECG

Metabolic

Recognition

  • Flattened T waves
  • Prominent U waves
  • ST depression
  • Prolonged QT

Key findings

  • Risk of torsades, especially with QT-prolonging drugs

Clinical importance

  • Arrhythmia risk; replace concurrently with Mg

Management pearls

  • Oral KCl if mild
  • IV KCl 10 mmol/h peripheral, 20 mmol/h central (max)
  • Always check + replace Mg
WardRound

WardRound

Clinical Decisions in Seconds