Which laboratory finding would be consistent with adrenocortical insufficiency?

Which laboratory finding would be consistent with adrenocortical insufficiency?

• A. Serum sodium 140 mEq/L
• B. Serum potassium 5.8 mEq/L
• C. Blood glucose 90 mg/dL
• D. BUN 12 mg/dL

Answer: (B)

Adrenocortical insufficiency disrupts aldosterone production, so the kidneys can’t excrete potassium effectively. The result is potassium retention, leading to hyperkalemia, which is a classic finding in this condition. A potassium level of 5.8 mEq/L fits that pattern. Sodium tends to be low because of aldosterone deficiency and volume depletion, so a normal sodium value (like 140 mEq/L) doesn’t align with the expected electrolyte pattern. Cortisol deficiency can cause low blood glucose, but that isn’t as consistent across all cases as the potassium rise. BUN can be elevated with dehydration, but a normal BUN isn’t as characteristic of Addison’s as hyperkalemia is.

Adrenocortical insufficiency disrupts aldosterone production, so the kidneys can’t excrete potassium effectively. The result is potassium retention, leading to hyperkalemia, which is a classic finding in this condition. A potassium level of 5.8 mEq/L fits that pattern.

Sodium tends to be low because of aldosterone deficiency and volume depletion, so a normal sodium value (like 140 mEq/L) doesn’t align with the expected electrolyte pattern. Cortisol deficiency can cause low blood glucose, but that isn’t as consistent across all cases as the potassium rise. BUN can be elevated with dehydration, but a normal BUN isn’t as characteristic of Addison’s as hyperkalemia is.