EKG

EKG findings normalize after successful calcium administration in acute cardiac instability. The peaked T wave pattern is the hallmark EKG sign of severe hyperkalemia. The P-wave on an ECG represents the electrical detection of atrial contraction. A normal ECG tracing displays a P-wave before each QRS spike. A normal EKG displays three main electrical components: the P wave, the QRS complex, and the T wave. The absence of P-waves on an ECG indicates the atria are not contracting. EKG changes in hyperkalemia appear immediately before cardiac collapse and arrest. Clinicians must correlate abnormal EKG patterns with patient presentation and medical history to guide intervention.