Which of the following describes a physiological function of potassium?

Prepare for the New Zealand State Nursing Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question includes hints and explanations. Get prepared to excel in your test!

Potassium plays a vital role in physiological functions, particularly in nerve impulse conduction. This mineral is essential for maintaining the resting membrane potential of cells, especially nerve and muscle cells. When a nerve cell is stimulated, potassium ions move across the cell membrane, facilitating depolarization and allowing the conduction of electrical impulses.

The proper balance of potassium is crucial for normal electrical signaling in the nervous system and muscular contraction. It helps to maintain normal heart rhythm and is critical for muscle function as well. Therefore, option B accurately reflects a key physiological function of potassium in the body.

In contrast, increasing blood pressure typically involves sodium rather than potassium, while the regulation of digestive enzymes is more attributable to other hormones and minerals. Detoxification processes in the liver do not directly involve potassium, instead relying on other substances to perform those functions.

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