In Addison's disease, which electrolyte pattern is expected?

In Addison's disease, which electrolyte pattern is expected?

• A. Increased sodium, decreased potassium
• B. Decreased sodium, increased potassium
• C. Increased sodium, increased potassium
• D. Decreased sodium, decreased potassium

Answer: (B)

In Addison's disease, the body lacks aldosterone, a hormone that signals the kidneys to reabsorb sodium and excrete potassium. Without enough aldosterone, more sodium is wasted in urine and water follows, leading to low sodium levels (hyponatremia) and reduced blood volume. At the same time, potassium isn’t excreted as effectively, allowing its level in the blood to rise (hyperkalemia). This combination—hyponatremia with hyperkalemia—is the typical electrolyte pattern.

In Addison's disease, the body lacks aldosterone, a hormone that signals the kidneys to reabsorb sodium and excrete potassium. Without enough aldosterone, more sodium is wasted in urine and water follows, leading to low sodium levels (hyponatremia) and reduced blood volume. At the same time, potassium isn’t excreted as effectively, allowing its level in the blood to rise (hyperkalemia). This combination—hyponatremia with hyperkalemia—is the typical electrolyte pattern.