A 29-year-old woman comes to the physician because of a 1-month history of headaches and fatigue. She also reports intermittent muscle cramping. She does not smoke cigarettes and drinks one to two beers on weekends. She is 171 cm (5 ft 7 in) tall and weighs 65 kg (143 lb); BMI is 22 kg/m2. Temperature is 36.5°C (97.7°F), pulse is 72/min, respirations are 12/min, and blood pressure is 177/90 mm Hg. Physical examination shows no abnormalities. Laboratory evaluation shows low plasma renin activity and normal serum creatinine levels. CT scan of the abdomen reveals a solitary, hypodense, 1.5-cm right adrenal mass. Which of the following patterns of serum electrolyte concentrations would most likely be seen in this patient?

Question

A 29-year-old woman comes to the physician because of a 1-month history of headaches and fatigue. She also reports intermittent muscle cramping. She does not smoke cigarettes and drinks one to two beers on weekends. She is 171 cm (5 ft 7 in) tall and weighs 65 kg (143 lb); BMI is 22 kg/m2. Temperature is 36.5°C (97.7°F), pulse is 72/min, respirations are 12/min, and blood pressure is 177/90 mm Hg. Physical examination shows no abnormalities.  Laboratory evaluation shows low plasma renin activity and normal serum creatinine levels.  CT scan of the abdomen reveals a solitary, hypodense, 1.5-cm right adrenal mass.  Which of the following patterns of serum electrolyte concentrations would most likely be seen in this patient?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Primary hyperaldosteronism causes increased Na⁺ reabsorption in the renal collecting tubules, leading to increased urinary excretion of K⁺ and H⁺. Patients typically have secondary hypertension as well as hypokalemia and metabolic alkalosis. The serum Na+ concentration remains normal due to aldosterone escape.

A 29-Year-Old Woman Comes to the Physician Because of a 1-Month