AANP Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Aldosterone antagonists, like spironolactone, primarily act to block the effects of aldosterone in the kidneys. Aldosterone normally promotes sodium reabsorption and potassium excretion in the distal nephron. By antagonizing aldosterone, spironolactone reduces this sodium reabsorption and, importantly, decreases the excretion of potassium.

This mechanism leads to an increase in serum potassium levels, which is crucial in managing conditions like heart failure or hypertension where potassium-sparing diuretics are beneficial. The reduction of potassium excretion supports the maintenance of potassium homeostasis, which is particularly important in patients at risk for hypokalemia due to other medications or conditions.

Understanding the role of aldosterone antagonists helps healthcare professionals anticipate their effects on electrolyte levels, renal function, and fluid balance, making them essential in various therapeutic protocols.