Prominent U waves on an ECG most commonly indicate which electrolyte disturbance?

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Multiple Choice

Prominent U waves on an ECG most commonly indicate which electrolyte disturbance?

Explanation:
Prominent U waves occur when potassium is low, so this finding points to hypokalemia. When potassium levels fall, ventricular repolarization is altered, which makes the small deflection after the T wave more noticeable. This manifests as a prominent U wave on the ECG. In contrast, hyperkalemia tends to produce tall, peaked T waves and widened QRS rather than prominent U waves, and calcium or magnesium disturbances affect the QT interval or predispose to other problems rather than producing the classic U-wave pattern.

Prominent U waves occur when potassium is low, so this finding points to hypokalemia. When potassium levels fall, ventricular repolarization is altered, which makes the small deflection after the T wave more noticeable. This manifests as a prominent U wave on the ECG. In contrast, hyperkalemia tends to produce tall, peaked T waves and widened QRS rather than prominent U waves, and calcium or magnesium disturbances affect the QT interval or predispose to other problems rather than producing the classic U-wave pattern.

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