Answer - Case of the month (Oct 2011)

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Q: This patient had a severe electrolyte disorder (and no ischemia). Which electrolyte disorder?

A. Hypokalemia

B. Hyperkalemia

C. Hypocalcemia

D. Hypercalcemia

Answer: B. Potassium levels was severely elevated: 7.5 mmol/L. Note the flattened P wave. The widened QRS and the abnormal repolarization.

ECG 3
ECG 4

Also compare ECGs 3 and 4 which were made during correction of potassium levels. ECG 3 clearly shows peaked T waves.