Question

a patient with normal renal function has a potassium level of 6.0 meq/l. which underlying cause is possible in this patient? adrenocortical deficiency alcoholism hypertension malabsorption syndrome

Explanation:

Adrenocortical deficiency (such as Addison's disease) leads to decreased aldosterone production. Aldosterone is crucial for potassium excretion in the kidneys. With reduced aldosterone, potassium excretion is impaired, causing hyperkalemia (elevated potassium levels like 6.0 mEq/L in this case), even if renal function is normal. Alcoholism is more associated with electrolyte imbalances like hypomagnesemia and may lead to hypokalemia (not hyperkalemia) due to poor nutrition and increased urinary losses in some cases. Hypertension (unless specific medications like potassium - sparing diuretics are misused, but the question doesn't mention medications) is not a direct cause of hyperkalemia. Malabsorption syndrome typically causes hypokalemia as there is decreased absorption of potassium from the gastrointestinal tract.

Answer:

Adrenocortical deficiency