Which EKG finding is most characteristic of hypothermia?

Which EKG finding is most characteristic of hypothermia?

• A. Osborn J wave
• B. Prolonged PR, QRS, and QT
• C. T-Wave Inversion
• D. Atrial Flutter

Answer: (A)

In hypothermia, the distinctive feature on an ECG is a pronounced J wave, known as the Osborn wave. This appears as an extra positive deflection right at the junction between the end of the QRS complex and the beginning of the ST segment—a notch or spike that stands out after the QRS. As core temperature falls, these J waves become more prominent, and they are most readily seen in the precordial leads. While slowing of conduction in hypothermia can broaden or lengthen intervals like PR, QRS, and QT, these findings are less specific and can occur with many other conditions. The Osborn wave, by contrast, is the classic, characteristic sign that points toward hypothermia. Other choices such as T-wave inversion or atrial flutter don’t fit the typical hypothermia ECG pattern and are not as closely associated with cold-induced changes.

In hypothermia, the distinctive feature on an ECG is a pronounced J wave, known as the Osborn wave. This appears as an extra positive deflection right at the junction between the end of the QRS complex and the beginning of the ST segment—a notch or spike that stands out after the QRS. As core temperature falls, these J waves become more prominent, and they are most readily seen in the precordial leads.

While slowing of conduction in hypothermia can broaden or lengthen intervals like PR, QRS, and QT, these findings are less specific and can occur with many other conditions. The Osborn wave, by contrast, is the classic, characteristic sign that points toward hypothermia. Other choices such as T-wave inversion or atrial flutter don’t fit the typical hypothermia ECG pattern and are not as closely associated with cold-induced changes.