A patient with aldosterone deficiency is likely to exhibit which assessment finding?

• A. Increased urine output
• B. Vasoconstriction
• C. Blood glucose of 98 mg/dL
• D. Serum sodium of 144 mEq/L

Answer: (A)

Aldosterone deficiency leads to salt wasting in the kidneys, because aldosterone normally promotes sodium reabsorption (and water follows sodium). When aldosterone is low, the distal nephron loses sodium and water, increasing urine production and reducing circulating volume. This polyuria reflects the body’s attempt to retain water but losing salt, which can also cause volume depletion and potentially hyponatremia.

Why this fits best: increased urine output is a direct consequence of the inability to reabsorb sodium, so the kidneys excrete more water along with sodium. Other options don’t fit as well: vasoconstriction isn’t a primary sign of aldosterone deficiency and would more likely reflect compensatory sympathetic activity or RAAS-related constriction. A normal blood glucose is not specifically related to aldosterone status, and a serum sodium of 144 mEq/L suggests normonatremia rather than the hyponatremia typically seen with aldosterone deficiency.