Canadian Health Information Management Association Practice Exam

Which condition would result from hyposecretion of aldosterone?

1. Airway dilation.

2. Decreased heart rate.

3. Dehydration.

4. Metabolic acidosis.

The correct answer is: Dehydration.

Hyposecretion of aldosterone leads to a condition in which the body does not retain sodium effectively. Aldosterone is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that plays a crucial role in regulating sodium and potassium levels in the blood, as well as maintaining blood pressure. When there is insufficient aldosterone, the kidneys are unable to reabsorb sodium, which results in increased sodium loss in urine. As sodium is lost, water follows osmotically, leading to decreased blood volume and, consequently, dehydration. This dehydration can manifest in various symptoms such as decreased blood pressure and increased thirst. The body's inability to retain water due to the loss of sodium is the primary reason that dehydration is a direct consequence of reduced aldosterone levels. The other conditions mentioned do not directly stem from aldosterone deficiency. Airway dilation is more related to respiratory functions and bronchodilators. Decreased heart rate is not a typical response tied to aldosterone levels. Metabolic acidosis involves an imbalance of acids and bases in the body which is not specifically related to aldosterone regulation.