You have been floated to the telemetry unit for the day. The monitor watcher informs you that the client has developed prominent U waves. Which laboratory value should you check immediately?

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Multiple Choice

You have been floated to the telemetry unit for the day. The monitor watcher informs you that the client has developed prominent U waves. Which laboratory value should you check immediately?

Explanation:
Prominent U waves on an ECG point to a potassium deficit. When you see these waves, the most urgent lab to check is potassium because hypokalemia increases the risk of dangerous arrhythmias and guides immediate treatment decisions. Sodium abnormalities don’t typically produce prominent U waves, and calcium disturbances affect the QT interval rather than creating U waves. Magnesium deficiency can contribute to arrhythmias and worsen hypokalemia, but confirming potassium level is the priority to direct care.

Prominent U waves on an ECG point to a potassium deficit. When you see these waves, the most urgent lab to check is potassium because hypokalemia increases the risk of dangerous arrhythmias and guides immediate treatment decisions. Sodium abnormalities don’t typically produce prominent U waves, and calcium disturbances affect the QT interval rather than creating U waves. Magnesium deficiency can contribute to arrhythmias and worsen hypokalemia, but confirming potassium level is the priority to direct care.

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