Which medication would the nurse plan to administer to a patient diagnosed with hyperaldosteronism?

Which medication would the nurse plan to administer to a patient diagnosed with hyperaldosteronism?

• A. potassium supplement
• B. spironolactone
• C. loop diuretic
• D. calcium channel blocker

Answer: (B)

Excess aldosterone drives sodium retention and potassium loss, so treatment focuses on blocking aldosterone’s actions. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that acts as a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist in the collecting ducts, counteracting aldosterone. By inhibiting aldosterone, it promotes sodium and water excretion while conserving potassium, addressing the root electrolyte imbalance and helping lower blood pressure. The other options don’t target aldosterone’s effects: a potassium supplement would worsen potassium balance if aldosterone is driving potassium loss; a loop diuretic increases potassium loss; a calcium channel blocker lowers blood pressure without correcting the aldosterone-induced electrolyte disturbances.

Excess aldosterone drives sodium retention and potassium loss, so treatment focuses on blocking aldosterone’s actions. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that acts as a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist in the collecting ducts, counteracting aldosterone. By inhibiting aldosterone, it promotes sodium and water excretion while conserving potassium, addressing the root electrolyte imbalance and helping lower blood pressure. The other options don’t target aldosterone’s effects: a potassium supplement would worsen potassium balance if aldosterone is driving potassium loss; a loop diuretic increases potassium loss; a calcium channel blocker lowers blood pressure without correcting the aldosterone-induced electrolyte disturbances.