Admitting a client to rule out aldosteronism. Which assessment data support the client's diagnosis?

Admitting a client to rule out aldosteronism. Which assessment data support the client's diagnosis?

• A. Temperature.
• B. Pulse.
• C. Respirations.
• D. Blood pressure.

Answer: (D)

Excess aldosterone causes the kidneys to retain sodium and water, which expands intravascular volume and raises blood pressure. This elevation in blood pressure is the most direct assessment clue that supports diagnosing aldosteronism. Other vitals like temperature, pulse, or respirations aren’t specific indicators of this endocrine disorder. You may also see hypokalemia from potassium loss and a metabolic alkalosis, and lab tests would typically show high aldosterone with suppressed renin, but the standout clinical finding tying to aldosterone excess is hypertension.

Excess aldosterone causes the kidneys to retain sodium and water, which expands intravascular volume and raises blood pressure. This elevation in blood pressure is the most direct assessment clue that supports diagnosing aldosteronism. Other vitals like temperature, pulse, or respirations aren’t specific indicators of this endocrine disorder. You may also see hypokalemia from potassium loss and a metabolic alkalosis, and lab tests would typically show high aldosterone with suppressed renin, but the standout clinical finding tying to aldosterone excess is hypertension.