QuestionSBA
QuestionChoice
This is incorrect. High levels of aldosterone cause increased sodium resorption from the distal tubule of the nephron. This causes hypernatraemia rather than hyponatraemia.
10025952
c
Hyponatraemia
QuestionChoice
This is correct. Conn's syndrome causes hypokalaemia due to high levels of aldosterone. Aldosterone is released from the zona glomerulosa of the adrenal gland and acts on the nephron to increase potassium secretion from the distal tubule. Thus, hypokalaemia is a feature of Conn's syndrome.
10025950
a
Hypokalaemia
QuestionChoice
This is incorrect. Renin will be low in primary hyperaldosteronism, as its release is suppressed by the high blood pressure seen in Conn's syndrome.
10025953
d
Raised serum renin
QuestionChoice
This is incorrect. Aldosterone is high in Conn's syndrome, which causes an increase in sodium reabsorption from the kidney. Water follows sodium in the kidney, therefore the volume of the blood is higher. This increases stroke volume and thus cardiac output. If cardiac output is increased then mean arterial pressure will be increased (mean arterial pressure = cardiac output x peripheral resistance). Thus, hypertension is a feature of Conn's syndrome, not hypotension.
10025951
b
Low blood pressure
QuestionChoice
This is incorrect. High levels of aldosterone will cause an increase in the secretion of hydrogen ions from the collecting ducts. This will increase the pH, causing metabolic alkalosis.
10025954
e
Metabolic acidosis
Concept
Chapter
2693
5869
Hyperaldosteronism and Conn's syndrome
Topic
170
Clinical Chemistry
17588
A 35 year old female presents to endocrinology clinic to discuss a new diagnosis of primary hyperaldosteronism (Conn's syndrome).

Which of the following investigations is most likely to confirm the diagnosis?
a