An investigator is studying patients with acute decompensated congestive heart failure. He takes measurements of a hormone released from atrial myocytes, as well as serial measurements of left atrial and left ventricular pressures. The investigator observes a positive correlation between left atrial pressures and the serum level of this hormone. Which of the following is most likely the mechanism of action of this hormone?
AIncreases potassium excretion at the collecting ducts
BConstricts afferent renal arteriole
CDecreases sodium reabsorption at the collecting tubules
DDecreases reabsorption of bicarbonate in the proximal convoluted tubules
EIncreases free water reabsorption from the distal tubules
A 50-year-old man is brought to the hospital after being found unresponsive in his bed in the morning. He is declared dead on arrival in the emergency room. His wife states that he always had uncontrolled hypertension despite being on multiple medications. An autopsy is performed, and the cause of his death is found to be a hemorrhage in his right basal ganglia. On microscopic examination, the branches of the renal artery have concentric endothelial proliferation with prominent narrowing of the lumen resulting in focal ischemia and hemorrhage of the renal parenchyma. Which of the following is most likely related to the findings in this patient?
ARaised cholesterol level in the blood
BElevated ammonia level in the blood
CRaised calcium level in the blood
DRaised renin level in the blood
EElevated C-reactive protein in the blood
A 33-year-old woman presents to her primary care physician for a wellness check-up. She states that recently she has been feeling well other than headaches that occur occasionally, which improve with ibuprofen and rest. She has a past medical history of hypertension and headaches and is currently taking hydrochlorothiazide. Her temperature is 99.2°F (37.3°C), blood pressure is 157/108 mmHg, pulse is 90/min, respirations are 14/min, and oxygen saturation is 98% on room air. Physical exam reveals a young woman who appears healthy. A normal S1 and S2 are auscultated on cardiac exam, and her lungs are clear with good air movement bilaterally. From her previous visit, it was determined that she has an elevated aldosterone and low renin level. Laboratory values are ordered as seen below. Serum: Na+: 139 mEq/L Cl-: 100 mEq/L K+: 3.7 mEq/L HCO3-: 29 mEq/L BUN: 20 mg/dL Creatinine: 1.1 mg/dL Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
ABenign essential hypertension
BPheochromocytoma
CCushing syndrome
DNarrowing of the renal arteries
EPrimary hyperaldosteronism
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