The primary problem in hyperkalemia is
A) that neurons are harder to excite because their resting potential is hyperpolarized.
B) that neurons are hyperexcitable because their resting potential is closer to threshold.
C) that neurons respond too quickly to smaller graded potentials.
D) neurons are harder to excite because their resting potential is hyperpolarized and neurons respond too quickly to smaller graded potentials.
E) neurons are hyperexcitable because their resting potential is closer to threshold and neurons respond too quickly to smaller graded potentials.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Hyperkalemia results in an increase in extracellular potassium levels, which depolarizes the resting membrane potential of neurons. This makes neurons more excitable as their resting potential is closer to threshold. Additionally, high potassium levels can cause an increase in the amplitude and duration of action potentials, leading to neurons responding too quickly to smaller graded potentials. Therefore, the primary problem in hyperkalemia is that neurons are hyperexcitable because their resting potential is closer to threshold and neurons respond too quickly to smaller graded potentials.

The Primary Problem in Hyperkalemia Is