Mr Miller is hospitalized for cardiac problems Somehow medic

Mr. Miller is hospitalized for cardiac problems. Somehow, medical orders are mixed up and Mr. Miller is infused with a K^+-enhanced intravenous solution meant for another patient who is taking potassium-wasting diuretics (i.e., drugs that cause excessive loss of potassium from the body in urine). Mr. Miller\'s potassium levels are normal before the IV is administered. What do you think will happen to Mr. Miller\'s resting membrane potentials? To his neurons\' ability to generate APs?

Solution

Neuron\'s action potential is dependent upon a coherent movement of different cations and anions across the membrane. In this regard, the internal movement of sodium ions and simultaneous outward movement of potassium ions help generate potential difference across the membrane and hence promote nervous excitation. When outward concentration of potassium ions is high, a net positive potential is generated on the membrane. This causes the membrane to depolarize and hence, a peak positive potential of 30-40 mV is generated.

When a patient is infused with fluids rich in potassium ions, the net concentration of potassium ions will increase in the matrix and the membrane will depolarize bearing a net positive charge.

Similarly, the depolarization of membrane will thus lead to activation of nerve action potential and excitability.