Cardiac Vascular Nursing Certification Practice Exam 2026 – Your All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

Aldosterone is the hormone primarily responsible for promoting sodium and water retention in the kidneys. It is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex and plays a critical role in the regulation of blood pressure and fluid balance in the body.

When aldosterone is released, it acts on the distal tubules and collecting ducts of the nephron in the kidneys to increase the reabsorption of sodium. As sodium is reabsorbed, water follows osmotically, leading to increased blood volume and, consequently, increased blood pressure. This process is part of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), which is activated in response to low blood pressure or low blood volume.

In contrast, other hormones also contribute to fluid balance but do not primarily focus on sodium and water retention in the same manner. For example, Angiotensin II primarily acts as a potent vasoconstrictor and stimulates the release of aldosterone rather than directly causing sodium retention itself. ADH, or antidiuretic hormone, promotes water reabsorption in the kidneys but does not primarily influence sodium retention. Cortisol, while affecting metabolism and inflammation, does not specifically target sodium and water balance like aldosterone does.

Thus, aldosterone is central