Physiological Adaptation Q 114
A client with hypertension asks the nurse which factors can cause blood pressure to drop to normal levels?
A. Kidneys’ excretion to sodium only.
B. Kidneys’ retention of sodium and water.
C. Kidneys’ excretion of sodium and water.
D. Kidneys’ retention of sodium and excretion of water.
Correct Answer: C. Kidneys’ excretion of sodium and water.
The kidneys respond to rise in blood pressure by excreting sodium and excess water. This response ultimately affects systolic blood pressure by regulating blood volume.
Option A: As the kidneys excrete sodium, water also goes along with it.
Option B: Sodium or water retention would only further increase blood pressure.
Option D: Sodium and water travel together across the membrane in the kidneys; one can’t travel without the other.