A client with primary hyperaldosteronism has hypertension due to excessive secretion from which gland?

A client with primary hyperaldosteronism has hypertension due to excessive secretion from which gland?

• A. Adrenal cortex
• B. Pancreas
• C. Adrenal medulla
• D. Parathyroid

Answer: (A)

The key idea is where aldosterone comes from and how excess it affects blood pressure. In primary hyperaldosteronism, too much aldosterone is produced by the adrenal cortex (the outer part of the adrenal gland). Aldosterone acts on the distal tubules and collecting ducts of the kidneys to increase sodium reabsorption (and water follows), while increasing potassium excretion. The resulting expansion of extracellular fluid volume raises blood pressure, which is why hypertension is present. The adrenal medulla, pancreas, and parathyroid glands don’t produce aldosterone. The medulla makes catecholamines that raise blood pressure through sympathetic effects, while the pancreas and parathyroid regulate other hormones and are not involved in aldosterone secretion.

The key idea is where aldosterone comes from and how excess it affects blood pressure. In primary hyperaldosteronism, too much aldosterone is produced by the adrenal cortex (the outer part of the adrenal gland). Aldosterone acts on the distal tubules and collecting ducts of the kidneys to increase sodium reabsorption (and water follows), while increasing potassium excretion. The resulting expansion of extracellular fluid volume raises blood pressure, which is why hypertension is present.

The adrenal medulla, pancreas, and parathyroid glands don’t produce aldosterone. The medulla makes catecholamines that raise blood pressure through sympathetic effects, while the pancreas and parathyroid regulate other hormones and are not involved in aldosterone secretion.