2. A man was infused with a K+-enhanced intravenous solution meant for another p
ID: 62435 • Letter: 2
Question
2. A man was infused with a K+-enhanced intravenous solution meant for another patient who was taking potassium-wasting diuretics. His potassium levels were normal before the IV was administered. What effect did this have on his neurons? (Please note that infusion means that this solution was injected into a blood vessel and the K+ gradients were not reversed due to this infusion).
a. It will be easier for his neurons to generate an action potential, as his resting membrane potential will be closer to threshold.
b. His hair cells will be less likely to generate action potentials.
c. The depolarization phase of the action potential will take longer than normal.
d. It will force the sodium-potassium pump to pump in four potassium ions at once, rather than two in order to compensate for the increased potassium levels in the ECF due to the injection.
e. Both (A) and (B) are correct
Explanation / Answer
The intravenous solution administered would increase the concentration of potassium ions in the brain. The positively charged potassium ions tend to depolarize the resting membrane potential. The K+ ions accumulate in brain cells with the concentration gradient. The depolarizing of the resting membrane would increase the generation of action potentials. Option a is correct.
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