Which electrolyte disturbance is commonly seen in Addison's disease?

Which electrolyte disturbance is commonly seen in Addison's disease?

• A. Hypernatremia
• B. Hyponatremia
• C. Hypokalemia
• D. Hyperkalemia

Answer: (D)

Aldosterone deficiency in Addison’s disease disrupts how the kidneys handle sodium and potassium. Without aldosterone, the distal tubule and collecting ducts reabsorb less sodium and excrete less potassium, so potassium builds up in the blood. This makes hyperkalemia a characteristic electrolyte disturbance in primary adrenal insufficiency. Hyponatremia and volume depletion are also common because of sodium loss, but the direct effect on potassium excretion is what makes elevated potassium the typical finding. The other options don’t fit as well because aldosterone deficiency tends to lower sodium (not raise it) and decrease potassium loss (not cause low potassium).

Aldosterone deficiency in Addison’s disease disrupts how the kidneys handle sodium and potassium. Without aldosterone, the distal tubule and collecting ducts reabsorb less sodium and excrete less potassium, so potassium builds up in the blood. This makes hyperkalemia a characteristic electrolyte disturbance in primary adrenal insufficiency. Hyponatremia and volume depletion are also common because of sodium loss, but the direct effect on potassium excretion is what makes elevated potassium the typical finding. The other options don’t fit as well because aldosterone deficiency tends to lower sodium (not raise it) and decrease potassium loss (not cause low potassium).