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Nernst Equation and its Clinical Correlation
Author(s) -
Ngo Han,
Dandu Chaitu,
Gibney Brianna,
Kuang Serena
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.2021.35.s1.04127
Subject(s) - nernst equation , structural equation modeling , psychology , mathematical economics , chemistry , computer science , mathematics , statistics , electrode
The Nernst equation, regularly taught in medical physiology, is essential to understand the electrophysiology of the cell membrane. However, many students feel that the equation is not useful in clinical practice due to the lack of correlation made between the underlying physiology and clinical manifestations of ion imbalance in many resources. Through a comprehensive review of physiology textbooks, we noticed that frequently used textbooks, except for Physiology by Linda S. Costanzo (6ed), merely introduce the equation briefly. Even in Costanzo , the equation is mentioned as an aside during a clinical case of hyperkalemia. Hence, the aim of this presentation is to fill this gap by addressing the important clinical correlation of the equation (i.e., its role in helping students to understand the potentially life‐threatening K + imbalance – hyperkalemia and hypokalemia). Method Step‐by‐step logical reasoning with graphical illustrations, which are not available in Costanzo's textbook. Results Five logical steps together thoroughly unfold how K + imbalance should be understood with the application of the Nernst equation. Steps 1 to 3 are illustrated in Figure 1 and steps 4 to 5 in Figure 2. Conclusions Nernst equation is the focal point that connects all concepts of chemical gradient, equilibrium potential, resting membrane potential, and excitability of a cell together. Besides its primary role to illustrate the relationship between an equilibrium potential of an ion and its chemical gradient, Nernst equation is also essential to understanding the K + imbalance, a potentially life‐threatening condition if left untreated.