The Question is from neet-zoology chemical-coordincation-and-integration hormones-of-heart-kidney-and-gastrointestinal-trac, and it was created by the author K SUNKANNA

Question

A patient presents with severe hypertension, hypokalemia, and metabolic alkalosis.  Further investigation reveals suppressed renin levels. Which hormone is MOST likely overproduced in this patient?

K SUNKANNA · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: C
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
 **Primary Concept**: Endocrine System Regulation & Electrolyte Balance
 **Related Topics**: Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS), Hypertension, Hypokalemia, Metabolic Alkalosis
 **Prerequisites**: Understanding of hormone functions, electrolyte balance, and the RAAS.
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
  Severe hypertension (high blood pressure)
  Hypokalemia (low potassium levels)
  Metabolic alkalosis (high blood pH)
  Suppressed renin levels
**Method & Steps**:
 1. Analyze the patient's symptoms and lab results.
  Reasoning: The combination of hypertension, hypokalemia, and metabolic alkalosis strongly suggests a problem with the RAAS or mineralocorticoid excess.
 2. Consider the role of renin in the RAAS.
  Working: Renin is an enzyme that initiates the RAAS, leading to aldosterone production.  Suppressed renin levels indicate that the RAAS is not the primary driver of the patient's condition.  This suggests a problem downstream of renin.
  Key Point:  Since renin is suppressed, the activation of aldosterone is likely occurring through a mechanism independent of the RAAS.
 3. Identify the hormone most likely responsible for the symptoms.
  Result: Aldosterone directly causes sodium retention and potassium excretion, leading to hypertension and hypokalemia.  Sodium retention also leads to increased blood volume, which further contributes to hypertension. The excess sodium retention can also cause metabolic alkalosis.  Therefore, primary hyperaldosteronism is the most likely diagnosis.
  Verification:  The symptoms are consistent with primary hyperaldosteronism (Conn's syndrome), a condition where the adrenal glands produce excessive aldosterone. This explains the suppressed renin (negative feedback loop due to high aldosterone), hypertension, hypokalemia, and metabolic alkalosis.
 ## OPTION ANALYSIS
A :x: Atrial Natriuretic Peptide (ANP) decreases blood pressure and sodium reabsorption, opposite to the patient's symptoms.
B :x: Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH) primarily regulates water balance, not potassium or sodium levels to this extent. While it can contribute to hypertension, it doesn't explain the hypokalemia and metabolic alkalosis.
C ✓: Aldosterone increases sodium reabsorption and potassium excretion, directly causing hypertension and hypokalemia.  Sodium retention can lead to metabolic alkalosis.
D :x: Erythropoietin regulates red blood cell production and is not directly related to the presented symptoms.
 ## LEARNING AIDS
 **Common Mistakes**:
  1. Focusing on renin levels without considering the downstream effects:  Suppressed renin doesn't rule out aldosterone overproduction; it points to an alternative pathway for aldosterone activation.
  2. Ignoring the combined effect of symptoms:  Each symptom individually might have multiple causes, but the combination strongly suggests a specific hormonal imbalance.
 **Quick Tips**:
  1. Remember the classic triad of primary hyperaldosteronism: hypertension, hypokalemia, and metabolic alkalosis.
  2.  Understand the negative feedback loop within the RAAS: high aldosterone suppresses renin production.

K SUNKANNA · Answer

Atrial Natriuretic Peptide (ANP)

K SUNKANNA · Answer

Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)

K SUNKANNA · Answer

The correct Option is "Aldosterone"

K SUNKANNA · Answer

Erythropoietin

NEET Zoology Chemical Coordination and Integration Hormones Of Heart Kidney And Gastrointestinal Tract MCQs

Select Topic

Question Tags

Question Tags

Question Tags

Question Tags

Question Tags

Question Tags

Question Tags

Question Tags

Question Tags

Question Tags

NEET Subjects

Our Bots

Company