Roles of Nurses in Caring for Patients Undergoing Confirmatory Testing for Primary Aldosteronism
Keywords:
Primary aldosteronism, Confirmatory test, Nurses’ roles, Resistant hypertensionAbstract
Primary Aldosteronism (PA) is a condition characterized by excessive secretion of aldosterone from the adrenal glands, leading to hypertension and hypokalemia. It is a common cause of secondary hypertension, particularly in patients with treatment-resistant hypertension. Accurate diagnosis requires a confirmatory test following a positive aldosterone-renin ratio (ARR) screening. The confirmatory tests, such as the saline infusion test, captopril challenge test, and fludrocortisone suppression test, are complex procedures requiring careful patient preparation, medication adjustment, and close monitoring. This academic article aims to describe and reflect on the nursing roles in caring for patients undergoing confirmatory testing for Primary Aldosteronism. It emphasizes the nurse’s role in pre, intra, and post-examination care, as well as communication with the multidisciplinary team to support accurate diagnosis and prevent complications. Comprehensive nursing management across each phase of the confirmatory testing process is pivotal in enhancing the quality of care and optimizing patient health outcomes.
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