Addison's disease can lead to which electrolyte abnormality?

In Addison's disease, there is a deficiency of adrenal hormones, particularly cortisol and aldosterone. Aldosterone plays a critical role in regulating sodium and potassium levels in the body. In the absence of sufficient aldosterone, there is reduced sodium reabsorption and increased potassium reabsorption in the renal tubules.

As a result of this impaired aldosterone function, patients with Addison's disease often experience hyperkalemia, which is an elevated level of potassium in the bloodstream. The kidneys are unable to excrete potassium effectively without the influence of aldosterone, causing potassium retention and subsequently leading to hyperkalemia.

While there are other potential electrolyte disturbances in Addison's disease, including changes in sodium levels, the hallmark abnormality is the hyperkalemia resulting from the lack of aldosterone. This makes hyperkalemia the correct answer regarding the electrolyte abnormality directly related to Addison's disease.