Electrolytes: practice question

A General Medicine question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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General Medicine · Electrolytes

Sample item

Which is the earliest ECG change in hyperkalaemia?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Tall, peaked T waves

Peaked T waves appear first, followed by PR prolongation, loss of P waves, QRS widening and eventually a sine-wave pattern. Severe hyperkalaemia with ECG changes is treated with IV calcium to stabilise the myocardium.

Option by option

  • A. Delta wave

    A delta wave means pre-excitation, as in WPW syndrome.

  • B. Prolonged QT interval

    Prolonged QT occurs with hypocalcaemia.

  • C. Tall, peaked T waves (correct)

    Correct.

  • D. U waves

    U waves are seen in hypokalaemia.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More General Medicine questions

Questions about this General Medicine question

What is the answer to this General Medicine question?

The best answer is C, Tall, peaked T waves. Peaked T waves appear first, followed by PR prolongation, loss of P waves, QRS widening and eventually a sine-wave pattern.

Why is "Delta wave" not the answer?

A delta wave means pre-excitation, as in WPW syndrome.

Why is "Prolonged QT interval" not the answer?

Prolonged QT occurs with hypocalcaemia.

Why is "U waves" not the answer?

U waves are seen in hypokalaemia.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Electrolytes in General Medicine. Severe hyperkalaemia with ECG changes is treated with IV calcium to stabilise the myocardium.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Electrolytes?

For each disease know the classic presentation, the best test, and the first-line treatment. Then use the flashcards and the other General Medicine questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.