Addison's disease features include which electrolyte and hemodynamic findings?

Addison's disease features include which electrolyte and hemodynamic findings?

• A. Low cortisol, hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, hypotension
• B. Hypertension, edema
• C. Hyperglycemia only
• D. Weight gain, moon face

Answer: (A)

Addison's disease is primary adrenal insufficiency, meaning there is a deficiency of aldosterone and cortisol. Without aldosterone, the kidneys lose sodium and water (salt wasting), while potassium is not excreted efficiently. This leads to hyponatremia from sodium loss and hyperkalemia from potassium retention, and the reduced circulating volume produces hypotension. Cortisol deficiency further lowers vascular tone, exacerbating low blood pressure. So the combination of low sodium, elevated potassium, and low blood pressure fits Addison's disease best. The other options point to features of other conditions (hypertension/edema, isolated hyperglycemia, or Cushingoid weight changes) rather than primary adrenal insufficiency.

Addison's disease is primary adrenal insufficiency, meaning there is a deficiency of aldosterone and cortisol. Without aldosterone, the kidneys lose sodium and water (salt wasting), while potassium is not excreted efficiently. This leads to hyponatremia from sodium loss and hyperkalemia from potassium retention, and the reduced circulating volume produces hypotension. Cortisol deficiency further lowers vascular tone, exacerbating low blood pressure. So the combination of low sodium, elevated potassium, and low blood pressure fits Addison's disease best. The other options point to features of other conditions (hypertension/edema, isolated hyperglycemia, or Cushingoid weight changes) rather than primary adrenal insufficiency.