a) Et represents the threshold membrane potential for action potential production and is about 15 millivolts more depolarized than Erest. If the value for Et in Elaina is numerically identical to that of a normal patient, what would be the effect of Elaina’s change in resting membrane potential on the amount of depolarization required to produce an action potential?

b.) Can this change (the difference between the resting membrane potential and threshold) explain any of Elaina’s symptoms? If so, a state which ones and explain why.

Table 1 - A Partial List of Elaina's Vital Signs Vitals Blood Pressure Pulse Rate Temperature Elaina 126/84 (Hypertension) 105 bpm (Tachycardia) 98.8 F Table 2- A Partial List of Results from Elaina's Blood Work Measurment White Blood Cell Count Sodium (mm) Potassium (mm) Triiodothyronine (T) (ng/dL) Tetraiodothyronine or thyroxine (T) (ng/dL) Thyroid Stimulation Hormone (TSH) (ng/dL) Normal 90-120/60-80 60-100 bpm 98.6 F Elaina 7,800 cells/mm 142 6.2 11.2 7.3 1.8 Normal 4500-10,500 cells/mm 135-145 3.5-5.2 59-174 4.5-12 0.3-3.0