Questions: Which hormonal imbalance would the nurse suspect in a client who has low serum sodium levels?
Epinephrine
Glucagon
Calcitonin
Aldosterone
Transcript text: Which hormonal imbalance would the nurse suspect in a client who has low serum sodium levels?
Epinephrine
Glucagon
Calcitonin
Aldosterone
Solution
The answer is the fourth one: Aldosterone.
Explanation for each option:
Epinephrine: This hormone is primarily involved in the body's fight-or-flight response and does not directly regulate sodium levels. It affects heart rate, blood pressure, and energy availability but is not linked to sodium balance.
Glucagon: This hormone is involved in regulating blood glucose levels by promoting the conversion of glycogen to glucose in the liver. It does not have a direct role in sodium balance.
Calcitonin: This hormone is involved in calcium and phosphate metabolism, helping to lower blood calcium levels. It does not play a role in sodium regulation.
Aldosterone: This hormone is part of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and plays a crucial role in regulating sodium and potassium levels in the body. It promotes sodium reabsorption in the kidneys, which helps maintain blood pressure and fluid balance. A deficiency in aldosterone can lead to low serum sodium levels, a condition known as hyponatremia.
In summary, a nurse would suspect an imbalance in aldosterone in a client with low serum sodium levels.