A patient is in the emergency department for a severe anxiety attack. Their doctor administers a dose of potassium to control their elevated heart rate. Why would potassium potentially be a treatment for the cardiovascular effects of an anxiety attack?
A) Excess potassium-ion concentration inhibits signals from the sympathetic nervous system, thereby lowering the heart rate.
B) Excess potassium-ion concentration acts of the heart to cause a decreased heart rate and increased force of contraction.
C) Excess potassium-ion concentration acts on the heart to cause a decreased heart rate and a decreased force of contraction.
D) Excess potassium-ion concentration signals the parasympathetic nervous system directly, thereby lowering the heart rate.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Potassium ions play a crucial role in cardiac function by influencing the electrical conductivity of the heart. High levels of potassium can lead to hyperkalemia, which can decrease the heart rate (bradycardia) and the force of cardiac contractions by affecting the electrical activity of the heart. This can help counteract the increased heart rate and force of contraction seen in anxiety attacks, although the direct administration of potassium for anxiety-induced tachycardia is not a standard treatment and should be approached with caution due to the risks of hyperkalemia.

A Patient Is in the Emergency Department for a Severe