You are treating a patient exhibiting hypotension who also manifests with signs of hepatic failure. The hypotension associated with liver failure most closely reflects an imbalance in which of the following hormone systems?

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The hypotension in liver failure is often due to splanchnic vasodilation and a decrease in systemic vascular resistance, which is closely related to an imbalance in the renin-angiotensin system.  The renin-angiotensin system is responsible for regulation of blood pressure. The intrarenal baroreceptor system is a key mechanism for regulating renin secretion. A drop in pressure results in the release of renin from the juxtaglomerular cells of the kidneys. The only function for renin is to cleave a 10-amino-acid peptide from the N-terminal end of angiotensinogengenerating angiotensin I. Angiotensin I is then cleaved by angiotensin converting enzyme yielding angiotensin II. Angiotensinogen is produced by and secreted from hepatocytes. In individuals that are depleted of sodium or who have liver disease (eg, cirrhosis), the pressive actions of angiotensin II are greatly reduced

You Are Treating a Patient Exhibiting Hypotension Who Also Manifests