The human body is comprised of glands which produce and release hormones responsible for physiological processes. The endocrine system affects the heartbeat and its abnormalities. An electrocardiogram (EKG) is used to detect electrical signals in the heart thereby identifying heart problems and conditions. A patient showing signs such as fatigue, palpitations, and tall –peaked waves is likely to be suffering from hyperkalemia (Metkus, 2019).
Differential Diagnosis
Hyperkalemia has its differential diagnosis to avoid contradictions with other T wave related disorders. The T waves are seen to appear narrow at the base, pointed and tall (Masih & Andrew, 2019). Moreover, they diffuse to some level in all ECG leads and maybe more in some territories. The results of the ECG indicate decreased wave amplitude, prolonged progressive PR, sinusoidal ECG pattern, and widened QRS duration (Sarwar et al., 2016). The presence of these features differentiates tall–peaked T waves from other T wave abnormalities.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
Relevant Information on History and Review Systems
Information on the history of the patient is required to trace the actual cause or severity of the disorder. The information should include dependence on dialysis, suspected, or known renal failure, and review of the medication list, which aids in the diagnosis of hyperkalemia. The information is vital in narrowing down to a specific diagnosis rather than carrying out a general diagnosis.
Diagnostic Tests
The diagnostic tests to be carried out include a test for bicarbonate levels, which is an indicator of acidosis, a cause for hyperkalemia. In the event of hyperkalemia, arterial or blood gas sampling would be vital. An EKG will be carried out to ascertain the urgency of the treatment. If the findings attribute to hyperkalemia, there would be the need to maintain continuous monitoring on the patient.
Conclusion
Palpitations, fatigue and tall- peaked T waves are a clear indication of hyperkalemia. There are several T wave abnormalities, but differential diagnosis isolates hyperkalemia. The information on the history of the patient is significant in diagnosis. However, lab tests should be carried out to ascertain the actual disorder for proper prescription and medication of the patient.
References
Masih, S. & Andrew, D. (2019). Hyperkalemia. Retrieved from https://www.cancertherapyadvisor.com/home/decision-support-in-medicine/hospital-medicine/hyperkalemia/
Metkus, T. (2019). EKG- Disorders of T Waves. Retrieved from https://www.cancertherapyadvisor.com/home/decision-support-in-medicine/hospital-medicine/ekg-disorders-of-t-waves/
Sarwar, C. M., Papadimitriou, L., Pitt, B., Pina, I. L., Zannad, F., Anker, S. D., & Butler, J. (2016). Hyperkalemia in Heart Failure. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 68(14), 1575-1589. Retrieved from http://sci-hub.tw/10.1016/j.jacc.2016.06.060
