Which statement is true for Addison's disease regarding analyte changes?

Prepare for the CAMLPR Chemistry Test. Enhance your understanding with interactive quizzes, flashcards, and detailed explanations. Boost your confidence and readiness for exam success!

Multiple Choice

Which statement is true for Addison's disease regarding analyte changes?

Explanation:
Addison's disease is a situation of primary adrenal insufficiency, so both cortisol and aldosterone are low. Aldosterone’s job is to promote sodium reabsorption and potassium excretion in the kidneys. When aldosterone is deficient, sodium is lost in the urine (and water follows), leading to low serum sodium and volume depletion. The reduced potassium excretion causes potassium to rise in the blood. Cortisol deficiency also contributes to hyponatremia by increasing ADH and impairing the body’s ability to clear free water. The combination of volume depletion and altered renal handling can also raise measured magnesium levels in the blood. So the pattern that fits is low cortisol, high potassium, low sodium, and potentially high magnesium.

Addison's disease is a situation of primary adrenal insufficiency, so both cortisol and aldosterone are low. Aldosterone’s job is to promote sodium reabsorption and potassium excretion in the kidneys. When aldosterone is deficient, sodium is lost in the urine (and water follows), leading to low serum sodium and volume depletion. The reduced potassium excretion causes potassium to rise in the blood. Cortisol deficiency also contributes to hyponatremia by increasing ADH and impairing the body’s ability to clear free water. The combination of volume depletion and altered renal handling can also raise measured magnesium levels in the blood. So the pattern that fits is low cortisol, high potassium, low sodium, and potentially high magnesium.

More practice questions
Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy