Question

A 32-year-old male presents to your office for initial evaluation. He is a busy systems analysis for a computer manufacturer who travels a lot, and put in many hours of work with in adequate rest. He is mildly obese but continues to have a poor diet. He eats fatty foods and does not exercise, aside from when he is running late to an appointment. He snacks often I'm salty foods. For the past two months, he complained of feeling weak, and occasionally experiences light headedness and dizziness that is accentuated when raising from a supine position. Eventually his appetite begins to Wayne and he starts losing weight. He is having common episodes of diarrhea. His colleagues and friends notice that he looks tan, despite spending little time in the sun. He complained about cold weather and he tries to avoid cold climates in temperatures. He is considering relocating to a warmer region.

What hormones are related to sodium balance?

What conditions might be causing the dizziness and weakness? How does knowing that the dizziness is related to changes in position to help determine the cause?

Which cells in his skin are responsible for the production of a tan?

What is hypothermia and what causes it?

While attending a meeting in Denver, he presented to the emergency room complaining of feeling weak; congestion in his head and chest; and severe abdominal, back, and leg pain. His blood pressure is 70/50 MM HG, respiratory rate is 20. Appropriate labs are ordered.

Results:

sodium = 120

Potassium = 6.0

Ratio of serum sodium to potassium = 25:1

Hematocrit = 59

WBC = 6000

Decreased plasma cortisol and aldosterone.

Urine shows increased excretion of sodium and decreased excretion of potassium.

Low levels of hydroxycorticosteriods.

What might be causing the pain in the abdomen, back and legs?

That viral infection poses a kind of stress. Why my the patient had such a severe reaction?

How old do the abdominal sodium and potassium levels relate to adrenal function?

Explain the reasons for the elevated him adequate level.

Why would want to see this result in the urine if the adrenal gland is malfunctioning?

What is your diagnosis?

What is ACTH?

Explain why the ACTH levels remain elevated.

Why would extra salt intake be appropriate following vomiting or diarrhea?

Answer 1

Three hormones are related to sodium balance-

1. ANH- Known as anti-natriuretic hormone. It is released from heart atria. It acts on kidney to excrete sodium into the urine.
2. Aldosterone- It is released from adrenal gland. It directs the kidney to absorb sodium, so that it is not excreted in urine.
3. ADH- most important hormone is anti-diuretic hormone, ADH, released from pituitary. It also directs kidney to absorb sodium so that it is not excreted out in urine.

All the above three hormones are related with body's homoeostasis.