Question

Diuretics cause the kidneys to produce large amounts of urine. Unfortunately, they can also cause the loss of large quantities of K+ in the urine. What effect might prolonged use of diuretics have on nerve or muscle cells?

a) Increased sensitivity
b) Decreased excitability
c) Enhanced conduction
d) Impaired function

Answer 1

Prolonged use of diuretics can impair the function of nerve or muscle cells. This is due to the loss of large quantities of potassium in the urine, which can lead to hyperkalemia and partial depolarization of cells.

Step-by-step explanation:

Prolonged use of diuretics, which cause the kidneys to produce large amounts of urine and result in the loss of large quantities of K+ in the urine, can have an effect on nerve or muscle cells. This effect is impaired function.

Hyperkalemia, the condition of elevated potassium blood levels, can occur as a result of the loss of K+ in the urine. Hyperkalemia can impair the function of skeletal muscles, the nervous system, and the heart. It can lead to partial depolarization of nerve and muscle cells, causing an inability of cells to repolarize, which can result in muscle weakness and neurological symptoms.