In Addison's disease, which of the following electrolyte imbalances is typically observed?

In Addison's disease, which is characterized by adrenal insufficiency, a typical electrolyte imbalance observed is high potassium and low sodium. The adrenal glands produce hormones such as aldosterone, which plays a crucial role in regulating sodium and potassium levels in the body. In Addison's disease, there is a deficiency of aldosterone, leading to decreased reabsorption of sodium and increased retention of potassium.

As a result, patients often present with hyponatremia, or low sodium levels, due to the inability of the kidneys to retain sodium. Conversely, due to the lack of aldosterone, there is renal retention of potassium, causing hyperkalemia, or high potassium levels. This imbalance is a key feature of the disease and contributes to various clinical manifestations, such as fatigue, muscle weakness, and potentially life-threatening heart rhythm disturbances due to elevated potassium.

Understanding this relation is critical for managing patients with Addison's disease effectively, as addressing electrolyte imbalances can significantly impact their overall health and treatment outcomes.