Question

question 26
1 pts
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 promotes potassium excretion in the kidneys. With reduced aldosterone, potassium excretion is impaired, potentially causing hyperkalemia (elevated potassium levels like 6.0 mEq/L) even in a patient with normal renal function. Alcoholism is more likely to cause hypokalemia (due to poor nutrition and potential vomiting/loss of potassium - rich fluids in some cases). Hypertension (if not related to specific adrenal disorders causing aldosterone issues, which is not indicated here as the focus is on adrenocortical deficiency) and malabsorption syndrome (which would lead to decreased potassium absorption and likely hypokalemia) do not fit as causes for hyperkalemia in this context.

Answer:

Adrenocortical deficiency