In adrenal crisis, which electrolyte abnormalities are present?

Prepare for the Mark Klimek Electrolytes and Endocrine Test. Utilize flashcards, multiple choice questions, and detailed explanations for each query to enhance your understanding. Ace your exam!

Multiple Choice

In adrenal crisis, which electrolyte abnormalities are present?

Explanation:
Adrenal crisis causes a drop in both cortisol and aldosterone, leading to a distinctive electrolyte pattern. When aldosterone is deficient, the kidneys lose more sodium and have trouble excreting potassium. That results in hyponatremia from sodium wasting and volume depletion, plus hyperkalemia from reduced potassium excretion. Cortisol deficiency can further drive hyponatremia by increasing ADH and water retention. Hypernatremia or normal electrolytes aren’t typical in this crisis, and hypercalcemia isn’t a usual feature. So the common electrolyte pair you’d expect is low sodium with high potassium.

Adrenal crisis causes a drop in both cortisol and aldosterone, leading to a distinctive electrolyte pattern. When aldosterone is deficient, the kidneys lose more sodium and have trouble excreting potassium. That results in hyponatremia from sodium wasting and volume depletion, plus hyperkalemia from reduced potassium excretion. Cortisol deficiency can further drive hyponatremia by increasing ADH and water retention. Hypernatremia or normal electrolytes aren’t typical in this crisis, and hypercalcemia isn’t a usual feature. So the common electrolyte pair you’d expect is low sodium with high potassium.

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