Cortisol stress response — FRCA Primary MCQ

Correct answer: A — Aldosterone increases sodium reabsorption and potassium secretion

Cortisol supports gluconeogenesis and vascular responsiveness. ADH inserts aquaporin-2 channels in collecting ducts is less appropriate because it would fit a different clinical clue or a separate anaesthetic problem. Hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction diverts blood flow is less appropriate because it would fit a different clinical clue or a separate anaesthetic problem. Ventilation of poorly perfused alveoli increases dead space is less appropriate because it would fit a different clinical clue or a separate anaesthetic problem. Chronic hypertension shifts cerebral autoregulation right is less appropriate because it would fit a different clinical clue or a separate anaesthetic problem. In Primary FRCA physiology, the correct answer is usually the variable that best explains the observed change in the anaesthetised patient.

Reference: West's Respiratory Physiology; Ganong Review of Medical Physiology; Primary FRCA textbooks