What changes in the ECG would you expect in a patient with hyperkalemia?

In the context of hyperkalemia, the correct response indicates that you would observe peaked T-waves, a prolonged QT interval, and wide QRS complexes on the ECG.

Peaked T-waves are one of the earliest and most characteristic changes seen in hyperkalemia as elevated potassium levels affect myocardial repolarization. The presence of sharply pointed T-waves significantly deviates from the normal appearance and implies that the electrical repolarization of the ventricles is altered due to the elevated serum potassium levels.

Additionally, hyperkalemia often leads to a prolonged QT interval. This occurs because elevated potassium levels can lengthen the refractory period of the cardiac action potential, resulting in an extended duration from the start of the Q wave to the end of the T wave.

The widening of QRS complexes is another important change that occurs with hyperkalemia. As potassium levels rise, the conduction velocity through the ventricles is reduced, which leads to a delay in depolarization. This manifests as an increase in the duration of the QRS complex on the ECG.

Thus, the combination of peaked T-waves, prolonged QT interval, and wide QRS complexes effectively reflects the changes that occur in the cardiac rhythm and conduction system due to hyperkal