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

Angiotensin I serves primarily as a significant precursor for angiotensin II, which is a key player in the regulation of blood pressure and fluid balance in the body. Angiotensin I is formed from angiotensinogen, a protein produced by the liver, through the action of the enzyme renin. This process is part of the renin-angiotensin system, which is activated in response to low blood pressure or low blood volume.

When angiotensin I is converted to angiotensin II by the enzyme angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), it exerts powerful effects such as vasoconstriction, stimulating aldosterone secretion from the adrenal glands, and promoting sodium and water retention by the kidneys. All these actions contribute to increasing blood pressure and maintaining cardiovascular stability.

The other options address different functions that do not relate directly to the role of angiotensin I. For instance, vasodilation is not primarily associated with angiotensin I, and regulating blood glucose levels or causing the release of insulin pertains to different hormonal pathways, specifically those involving insulin and glucagon rather than the renin-angiotensin system.