ATI TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) Version 7ScienceEasy
A client presents with symptoms including an irregular heartbeat, muscle cramps, and general weakness. Blood tests reveal an electrolyte imbalance affecting nerve impulse transmission and muscle contraction. Which of the following electrolytes is most likely deficient?
- APotassium
- BSodium
- CChloride
- DBicarbonate
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Potassium
Potassium is crucial for maintaining resting membrane potential and repolarization in nerve and muscle cells. A deficiency can lead to the observed symptoms of irregular heartbeat, muscle cramps, and weakness due to impaired nerve and muscle function.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Sodium is important for action potential initiation, but its deficiency symptoms typically involve hypotension and neurological changes.
- C. Chloride primarily contributes to osmotic pressure and acid-base balance; its deficiency symptoms are different.
- D. Bicarbonate is a major buffer in the blood, critical for acid-base balance, not directly nerve impulse transmission.
Potassium (K+)
An essential electrolyte vital for nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction (especially cardiac muscle), and maintaining fluid balance within cells.
- Crucial for repolarization phase of action potentials.
- Maintains intracellular fluid volume.
- Dysregulation can lead to cardiac arrhythmias.
Memory trick: K for Kramp and Kardiac Rhythm