Question

Which patient is at risk for hyperkalemia?

A. Patient with Parathyroid cancer
B. Patient with Cushing's Syndrome
C. Patient with Addison's Disease
D. Patient with breast cancer

Answer 1

C. Patient with Addison's Disease is at risk for hyperkalemia due to aldosterone deficiency, impacting potassium regulation and requiring careful monitoring.

Step-by-step explanation:

Patients with Addison's Disease are at risk for hyperkalemia. Addison's Disease is characterized by the adrenal glands' insufficient production of hormones, including aldosterone.

Aldosterone plays a crucial role in the regulation of potassium levels in the body. When aldosterone secretion is impaired, as seen in Addison's Disease, there is a reduced ability to excrete potassium, leading to its accumulation in the bloodstream. Hyperkalemia, or elevated potassium levels, can have serious consequences, particularly affecting cardiac function.

Therefore, patients with Addison's Disease require close monitoring of their potassium levels, and interventions may include dietary restrictions and medications to manage potassium balance and prevent complications.

Answer 2

A patient with Addison's Disease is at risk for hyperkalemia due to decreased secretion of aldosterone and reduced excretion of potassium by the kidneys.

Thus the correct option is C.

Step-by-step explanation:

Among the listed conditions, a patient with Addison's Disease is at risk for hyperkalemia. Addison's disease involves an underproduction of hormones by the adrenal glands, leading to decreased secretion of aldosterone.

This decrease results in diminished excretion of potassium (K) by the kidneys, raising the risk of hyperkalemia, which is an abnormally high level of potassium in the blood. In contrast, other mentioned conditions, such as hyperparathyroidism and Cushing's Syndrome, typically do not result in hyperkalemia.

Hyperparathyroidism causes elevated blood calcium levels and decreased bone density, while Cushing's Syndrome can cause a loss of potassium due to elevated aldosterone levels and increased urinary excretion.

Thus the correct option is C.