Advanced Patho NURS 5315 exam 1 questions and answers 2024

action potential - answer-The process by which excitable cells transmit information from one to another. How is the action potential altered by a potassium imbalance? (Hyperkalemia) - answer-The ECF has more K+ ions. The membrane potential becomes more positive (hypopolarized). Cells become MORE excitable. T waves peak. QRS complexes widen. Causes dysrhythmias, weakness, paresthesia. {If membrane potential becomes equal to threshold potential cardiac standstill occurs} How is the action potential altered by a potassium imbalance? (Hypokalemia) - answer-The ECF has less K+ ions. The membrane potential becomes more negative or hyper-polarized. The cell becomes less excitable, depolarization takes longer, and takes a stronger stimulus. Causes weakness, atony, cardiac dystrhythmias. How is the action potential altered by a calcium imbalance? (hypercalemia) - answer-Increase in ECF calcium to >10.5 mg/dL. It decreases the cell permeability to calcium. The cell becomes hyperpolarized (the