Which finding would the nurse expect to see in a patient with hyperaldosteronism?

• A. Hypernatremia
• B. Hyponatremia
• C. Hypokalemia
• D. Hypercalcemia

Answer: (A)

Aldosterone’s main action is to increase sodium reabsorption in the distal nephron and collecting ducts. When more sodium is reabsorbed, water follows, expanding the extracellular fluid and often raising the plasma sodium concentration. This makes hypernatremia a typical finding. At the same time, potassium and hydrogen ions are excreted, leading to hypokalemia and metabolic alkalosis, and the increased volume can cause hypertension. Hyponatremia would not fit with Na retention, and hypercalcemia isn’t a direct result of aldosterone’s actions. So hypernatremia best reflects the primary effect of excess aldosterone in the kidney.