Which electrolyte disturbance is commonly seen in adrenal crisis due to aldosterone deficiency?

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Multiple Choice

Which electrolyte disturbance is commonly seen in adrenal crisis due to aldosterone deficiency?

When aldosterone is deficient, the kidneys lose the ability to secrete potassium in the distal nephron. Aldosterone normally promotes Na reabsorption and K+ excretion; without it, sodium is lost in the urine and potassium is retained, leading to hyperkalemia. In adrenal crisis you often also see hyponatremia from Na loss and volume depletion, but the most characteristic electrolyte disturbance caused by aldosterone deficiency is elevated potassium. Hyperkalemia can increase the risk of cardiac conduction problems, so recognizing this pattern helps differentiate adrenal crisis from other conditions. Hypercalcemia and hypokalemia are not typical features of this scenario.

When aldosterone is deficient, the kidneys lose the ability to secrete potassium in the distal nephron. Aldosterone normally promotes Na reabsorption and K+ excretion; without it, sodium is lost in the urine and potassium is retained, leading to hyperkalemia. In adrenal crisis you often also see hyponatremia from Na loss and volume depletion, but the most characteristic electrolyte disturbance caused by aldosterone deficiency is elevated potassium. Hyperkalemia can increase the risk of cardiac conduction problems, so recognizing this pattern helps differentiate adrenal crisis from other conditions. Hypercalcemia and hypokalemia are not typical features of this scenario.

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