Adrenal crisis can cause dangerous electrolyte disturbances. Which electrolyte abnormality is most commonly seen?

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Multiple Choice

Adrenal crisis can cause dangerous electrolyte disturbances. Which electrolyte abnormality is most commonly seen?

Adrenal crisis causes a severe lack of aldosterone, which normally drives potassium excretion in the distal nephron. Without enough aldosterone, potassium isn’t secreted effectively, so it builds up in the blood—hyperkalemia. While sodium loss can lead to hyponatremia due to salt wasting and volume depletion, the most consistent and life‑threatening electrolyte change in this crisis is high potassium.

Adrenal crisis causes a severe lack of aldosterone, which normally drives potassium excretion in the distal nephron. Without enough aldosterone, potassium isn’t secreted effectively, so it builds up in the blood—hyperkalemia. While sodium loss can lead to hyponatremia due to salt wasting and volume depletion, the most consistent and life‑threatening electrolyte change in this crisis is high potassium.

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