Pharmacy Curriculum Outcomes Assessment (PCOA) Practice Exam

What contributes to the development of ascites?

1. Increased aldosterone secretion

2. Decreased blood viscosity

3. Reduced sodium excretion

4. Increased albumin synthesis

The correct answer is: Increased aldosterone secretion

Ascites is the buildup of fluid in the abdominal cavity, and is most commonly caused by liver disease. As the liver becomes damaged, it can lead to increased activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), which results in increased aldosterone secretion. Aldosterone is a hormone that promotes sodium and water retention, leading to an increase in fluid accumulation in the body, including the abdominal cavity. Therefore, increased aldosterone secretion contributes to the development of ascites. The other options, decreased blood viscosity and increased albumin synthesis, do not have a direct impact on the development of ascites. Reduced sodium excretion may lead to fluid retention, but it is not as significant as aldosterone secretion in the development of ascites.