Which electrolyte abnormality occurs in adrenal insufficiency?

Which electrolyte abnormality occurs in adrenal insufficiency?

• A. Potassium
• B. Sodium
• C. Calcium
• D. Magnesium

Answer: (A)

In adrenal insufficiency, especially primary adrenal failure, there is not enough aldosterone. Aldosterone's job in the distal nephron is to promote potassium excretion while reabsorbing sodium. When aldosterone is deficient, the collecting ducts excrete less potassium, so potassium builds up in the blood. That makes hyperkalemia the classic electrolyte abnormality you see. Sodium tends to be low due to sodium loss, but the standout electrolyte change linked to the lack of aldosterone is elevated potassium. Calcium and magnesium aren’t the characteristic disturbances here, and in secondary adrenal insufficiency (where aldosterone is often preserved), hyperkalemia is less typical.

In adrenal insufficiency, especially primary adrenal failure, there is not enough aldosterone. Aldosterone's job in the distal nephron is to promote potassium excretion while reabsorbing sodium. When aldosterone is deficient, the collecting ducts excrete less potassium, so potassium builds up in the blood. That makes hyperkalemia the classic electrolyte abnormality you see. Sodium tends to be low due to sodium loss, but the standout electrolyte change linked to the lack of aldosterone is elevated potassium. Calcium and magnesium aren’t the characteristic disturbances here, and in secondary adrenal insufficiency (where aldosterone is often preserved), hyperkalemia is less typical.