Which ECG finding indicates hypokalemia in a client receiving IV furosemide?

The presence of U waves on an ECG is a classic finding associated with hypokalemia. When potassium levels in the blood are low, it affects the cardiac repolarization process, leading to distinct changes in the ECG. U waves typically appear as small, positive deflections following the T wave, often more prominent in leads V2 to V4. They indicate delayed repolarization of the Purkinje fibers or ventricular myocardium and can be an important marker for clinicians to recognize electrolyte imbalances, specifically hypokalemia.

In the context of a patient receiving IV furosemide, a diuretic that can cause potassium loss, monitoring for U waves is essential. Other abnormalities in the ECG may indicate different issues, which helps to differentiate the findings attributed to hypokalemia specifically. For example, tall, tented T waves are more associated with hyperkalemia, not hypokalemia, and widened QRS complexes or ST elevation may indicate other cardiac conditions or electrolyte disturbances, rather than being specific markers of low potassium levels.