Mineralocorticoid excess (as in Conn's syndrome) characteristically produces which metabolic abnormality?

• A Hyperkalemia and metabolic acidosis
• B Hyponatremia and metabolic acidosis
• C Hypernatremia and respiratory alkalosis
• D Hypokalemia and metabolic alkalosis ✓

Explanation

Excess aldosterone (as in primary hyperaldosteronism/Conn's syndrome) drives principal cell Na+ reabsorption and K+ secretion in the collecting duct, causing hypokalemia. Na+ retention expands extracellular volume and raises blood pressure. The increased H+ secretion by alpha-intercalated cells (also stimulated by aldosterone) and loss of K+ leads to metabolic alkalosis. Hypokalemia and metabolic alkalosis with hypertension form the classic triad.

Reference: Guyton & Hall, Textbook of Medical Physiology, 14th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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