A client with pancreatitis develops hypocalcemia. Which ECG finding should the nurse anticipate?

Assessing electrolyte imbalances in pancreatitis requires understanding how calcium sequestration affects cardiac conduction. Knowledge of cardiac electrophysiology is applied to identify how low serum calcium, typically below 8.5 mg/dL, alters the duration of ventricular depolarization and repolarization. Choice A rationale Peaked T-waves are classically associated with hyperkalemia, not hypocalcemia. Hyperkalemia involves potassium levels > 5.0 mEq/L. This ECG change reflects rapid repolarization and is not an anticipated finding for a client experiencing a deficit in calcium. Choice B rationale A shortened QT interval is a characteristic finding in hypercalcemia, where serum calcium levels exceed 10.5 mg/dL. Excess calcium accelerates the plateau phase of the action potential, leading to faster ventricular repolarization and a shortened interval. Choice C rationale A widened QRS complex is usually seen in hyperkalemia or bundle branch blocks. While severe electrolyte shifts can affect the QRS, it is not the primary or most common ECG manifestation of isolated low calcium. Choice D rationale Hypocalcemia slows the entry of calcium into cardiac cells during the plateau phase. This delay lengthens the ST segment and the QT interval. A prolonged QT interval increases the risk for lethal ventricular arrhythmias like Torsades.