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Patient with severe DKA, look at the ECG

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

So the real QT is shorter, but the computer does not mention the U-wave, and the U-wave is as important as the T-wave in predicting cardiac dysrhythmias. IV administration of potassium is indicated when arrhythmias are present or hypokalemia is severe (potassium level of less than 2.5 This is an extremely dangerous ECG.

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STEMI with Life-Threatening Hypokalemia and Incessant Torsades de Pointes

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

Could the dysrhythmias have been prevented? IV administration of potassium is indicated when arrhythmias are present or hypokalemia is severe (potassium level of less than 2.5 malignant ventricular arrhythmias are present), rapid replacement of potassium is required. It would be difficult to get a nurse to give it faster!

STEMI 52
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60-something with wide complex tachycardia: from where does the rhythm originate?

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

Inferior MI results in scar tissue which is a likely source of a re-entrant ventricular dysrhythmia. There are 6 KEY parameters to consider in systematic assessment of any arrhythmia. Here is the post-cardioversion ECG: There is sinus with RBBB There are inferior Q-waves suggesting old inferior MI.

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Severe shock, obtunded, and a diagnostic prehospital ECG. Also: How did this happen?

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

She had home health nurse visits, and a BMP was sent the next day (the day prior to admission, presumably after 120 mEq of KCl replacement -- if she was taking as directed). IV administration of potassium is indicated when arrhythmias are present or hypokalemia is severe (potassium level of less than 2.5 Is 40 mEq too much?