Review Note

A 36-year-old male presented at the ER with acidotic breathing associated with bipedal edema, ashen skin, and diaphoresis. Work-up revealed a serum potassium of 8 mEq/L. A few minutes later, the patient went into cardiac arrest and ECG revealed ‘asystole’. What mechanism is responsible for the patient’s clinical presentation?

A. Inactivation of sodium channels

B. Increased resting membrane potential

C. Increased rate of phase 4 of action potential

D. Increased entry of calcium ions