Which of the following statements is true regarding prolonged depolarization?

Prolonged depolarization refers to an extended phase in which the membrane potential of a cell remains elevated, often due to sustained influx of positive ions such as sodium (Na+) and calcium (Ca2+). This condition can directly impact the repolarization phase of the action potential.

The statement indicating that prolonged depolarization slows down the repolarization process is accurate because when the membrane remains depolarized, it delays the return to a resting state. During normal repolarization, potassium (K+) ions move out of the cell, causing the membrane potential to drop back down. However, with continuous depolarization, the channels responsible for this K+ conductance may not operate as efficiently, thus prolonging the overall repolarization phase.

In the context of cardiac physiology, for instance, prolonged depolarization can lead to significant alterations in the rhythm of the heart, potentially contributing to arrhythmias. The effects on repolarization are crucial in understanding various cardiac pathologies and the mechanisms that may underlie certain types of ectopy, making the knowledge of this concept vital in advanced nursing practice.

Other statements do not hold true in the same context; for instance, decreasing the risk for ectopy or inducing paradoxical electrical changes