Acute exacerbation of Addison's disease can lead to ECG changes and cardiovascular collapse as a result of electrolyte imbalance secondary to:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Acute exacerbation of Addison's disease can lead to electrolyte imbalance, which includes hyperkalemia (potassium retention) and hyponatremia (sodium excretion). These imbalances can result in ECG changes (such as peaked T waves) and cardiovascular collapse. Increased mineralocorticoid secretion (Choice A) would help prevent electrolyte imbalances, so it is not the correct answer. Fluid retention, potassium excretion, and sodium retention (Choice C) is not consistent with the electrolyte imbalances seen in Addison's disease. Decreased mineralocorticoid secretion with increased sodium and potassium excretion (Choice D) is characteristic of Addison's disease, but this does not lead to acute exacerbation and cardiovascular collapse, rather it is the opposite effect.

Acute Exacerbation of Addison's Disease Can Lead to ECG Changes