A nurse is working with a patient who has demonstrated hypertension of unknown cause.The patient also has hypokalemia that was not induced by diuretics.Which of the following diagnostic tests would be most appropriate for evaluating this patient's hypertension?
A)Albumin
B)Aldosterone
C)Alanine aminotransferase (ALT)
D)Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Hypokalemia and hypertension can be caused by excess aldosterone secretion from the adrenal gland. Therefore, measuring serum aldosterone levels can help determine if this is the cause of the patient's hypertension. Choice A, Albumin, is not directly related to hypertension or hypokalemia. Choice C, ALT, is a liver enzyme and is not related to hypertension or hypokalemia. Choice D, ACTH, is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that can affect cortisol secretion but is not directly related to hypertension or hypokalemia.

A Nurse Is Working with a Patient Who Has Demonstrated