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Multiple Choice
Which of the following abnormalities would NOT be observed in a patient who has Addison's disease?
A
Hypernatremia (elevated sodium levels)
B
Hypotension (low blood pressure)
C
Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose levels)
D
Hyperkalemia (elevated potassium levels)
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the context of Addison's disease: Addison's disease is a disorder where the adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones, specifically cortisol and aldosterone. These hormones are critical for regulating various physiological processes, including sodium and potassium balance, blood pressure, and glucose metabolism.
Analyze the role of aldosterone: Aldosterone helps regulate sodium and potassium levels in the body. A deficiency in aldosterone, as seen in Addison's disease, leads to decreased sodium reabsorption and increased potassium retention, resulting in hyponatremia (low sodium levels) and hyperkalemia (elevated potassium levels).
Consider the role of cortisol: Cortisol is involved in glucose metabolism. A deficiency in cortisol can lead to hypoglycemia (low blood glucose levels) because cortisol helps maintain blood sugar levels during fasting or stress.
Evaluate the impact on blood pressure: The combined effects of low aldosterone (leading to sodium loss and water loss) and low cortisol (affecting vascular tone) can result in hypotension (low blood pressure).
Identify the abnormality NOT associated with Addison's disease: Hypernatremia (elevated sodium levels) would not be observed in a patient with Addison's disease because aldosterone deficiency causes sodium loss, not an increase in sodium levels.