Expected in hyperaldosteronism

Expected in hyperaldosteronism

• A. Increased sodium
• B. Increased potassium
• C. Decreased sodium
• D. Decreased potassium

Answer: (A)

Aldosterone drives sodium reabsorption in the distal nephron and collecting ducts, while promoting potassium secretion. This sodium retention expands extracellular fluid and often raises serum sodium modestly, which is the most direct and expected change in hyperaldosteronism. At the same time, the increased potassium loss leads to lower potassium levels in many patients. So the characteristic outcome is increased sodium, with the accompanying tendency toward decreased potassium. The other options conflict with aldosterone’s action: it would not cause increased potassium, and it would not typically cause decreased sodium.

Aldosterone drives sodium reabsorption in the distal nephron and collecting ducts, while promoting potassium secretion. This sodium retention expands extracellular fluid and often raises serum sodium modestly, which is the most direct and expected change in hyperaldosteronism. At the same time, the increased potassium loss leads to lower potassium levels in many patients. So the characteristic outcome is increased sodium, with the accompanying tendency toward decreased potassium. The other options conflict with aldosterone’s action: it would not cause increased potassium, and it would not typically cause decreased sodium.