Question

A client is seen in the primary care provider’s office with reports of polydipsia and polyuria without polyphagia. An assessment notes very edematous ankles and an elevation of blood pressure. These data support which diagnosis associated with the adrenal cortex?Hyperal dosteronismAdrenocortical hyperfunctionAndrogen-producing tumorsAdrenal hyperplasia

Answer 1

Hyperaldosteronism is the diagnosis that is supported by the given data.

Step-by-step explanation:

Adrenocortical hyperfunction due to increased activity of adrenal cortex and overproduction of aldosterone leads to hyperaldosteronism.

Aldosterone is the key hormone that regulates sodium and potassium levels and water balance in the body.

Overproduction of aldosterone leads to increased retention of sodium (hypernatremia) and flushing of potassium (hypokalemia), which in turn increases fluid accumulation. Fluid accumulation results in high blood pressure and edema of the ankles.

Primary aldosteronism or Conn’s syndrome causes nephrogenic diabetes insipidus that causes polyuria, nocturia, and polydipsia.