Question

A patient with a serum calcium of 6.0 (norm = 8.5- 10.5) is most likely to ______ because_______.

a. be lethargic: the cells are hypopolarized.
b. have muscle spasms: more Na+ has entered the cells.
c. be weak: more Na+ has left the cells.
d. have hyperirritable muscles: the cells are hyperpolarized.

Answer 1

A patient with a serum calcium level of 6.0 is likely to have muscle spasms because hypocalcemia leads to hyperpolarization of cells, increasing their excitability.

Step-by-step explanation:

A patient with a serum calcium of 6.0, which is below the normal range of 8.5-10.5, is most likely to have hyperirritable muscles: the cells are hyperpolarized. This condition is known as hypocalcemia, which is characterized by abnormally low levels of calcium in the blood. Due to the low calcium levels, there is an increase in membrane permeability to sodium, which can lead to convulsions or muscle spasms as a result of increased excitability of the nerve and muscle cells.