Which clinical manifestation would the nurse expect to find in a patient with hyperaldosteronism?

Which clinical manifestation would the nurse expect to find in a patient with hyperaldosteronism?

• A. Headache
• B. Muscle weakness
• C. Fatigue
• D. Nausea

Answer: (A)

Excess aldosterone increases sodium reabsorption in the distal nephron and promotes potassium loss, causing volume expansion with hypertension and, importantly, hypokalemia. The low potassium level directly leads to muscle weakness and fatigue, which are classic, specific signs of hyperaldosteronism. While headaches can occur from high blood pressure, they are less specific to this condition, and nausea is not a defining feature. So the most characteristic clinical manifestation you’d expect is muscle weakness due to hypokalemia from aldosterone excess.

Excess aldosterone increases sodium reabsorption in the distal nephron and promotes potassium loss, causing volume expansion with hypertension and, importantly, hypokalemia. The low potassium level directly leads to muscle weakness and fatigue, which are classic, specific signs of hyperaldosteronism. While headaches can occur from high blood pressure, they are less specific to this condition, and nausea is not a defining feature. So the most characteristic clinical manifestation you’d expect is muscle weakness due to hypokalemia from aldosterone excess.