During electrical injury, which electrolyte is released from cells?

During electrical injury, which electrolyte is released from cells?

• A. Calcium
• B. Potassium
• C. Sodium
• D. Magnesium

Answer: (B)

Electrical injury damages cell membranes, causing ions that are normally inside cells to leak into the surrounding fluid. Potassium is the primary intracellular cation, so when membranes are disrupted, potassium rushes out into the extracellular space, leading to hyperkalemia. This rapid rise in potassium can disrupt cardiac conduction and cause arrhythmias, making potassium release the key concern after electrical injury. Other electrolytes aren’t released in the same immediate, large amounts in this situation, so the standout change is potassium efflux.

Electrical injury damages cell membranes, causing ions that are normally inside cells to leak into the surrounding fluid. Potassium is the primary intracellular cation, so when membranes are disrupted, potassium rushes out into the extracellular space, leading to hyperkalemia. This rapid rise in potassium can disrupt cardiac conduction and cause arrhythmias, making potassium release the key concern after electrical injury. Other electrolytes aren’t released in the same immediate, large amounts in this situation, so the standout change is potassium efflux.