Chapter 12, Problem 22RQ

Summary Introduction

To determine:

The ion which is involved in the development of the fast heart rate (tachycardia) and the kidney condition that causes the change in body’s electrolyte levels.

Concept introduction:

The kidney is involved in the filtration of the ions, metabolites, and other urea from the body. This organ helps in the removal of the toxic metabolites from the body. The sodium and the potassium ions are absorbed in the kidney tubules. The malfunctioning of the kidney has caused an imbalance in the electrolyte concentrations of the ions in the blood and the plasma in the body of the affected individual (Harry). This causes an increase in the rate of the heartbeat, due to the contractions of the muscles caused due to the accumulation of the potassium ions in the cells.