What ECG change is expected in a client with a potassium level of 6.5 mEq/L?

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In a client with a potassium level of 6.5 mEq/L, the expected ECG change is peaked T waves. Hyperkalemia, or elevated potassium levels, has a well-known effect on cardiac electrical activity, particularly visible in the ECG tracing.

When potassium levels rise, one of the earliest changes observed is the gradual peaking of the T wave. This phenomenon occurs due to the influence of elevated extracellular potassium on cardiac myocyte depolarization and repolarization processes. The T wave peaks become tall and narrow, which is a classic indicator of hyperkalemia on an ECG. As potassium levels continue to increase, further ECG changes may occur, but peaked T waves are typically the first and most prominent alteration seen.

Understanding this relationship between potassium levels and ECG changes is crucial in a clinical setting, as it serves as a warning sign of potentially dangerous cardiac effects, such as arrhythmias. Recognizing these changes allows healthcare providers to intervene promptly to manage the underlying hyperkalemia effectively.

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