Which of the following best describes the role of angiotensin II in blood pressure regulation?

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Question restatement: Which of the following best describes the role of angiotensin II in blood pressure regulation? 
Options to evaluate:
- It stimulates vasodilation and reduces cardiac output
- It acts as a vasoconstrictor and stimulates aldosterone release
- It promotes sodium excretion and lowers blood volume
- It inhibits ADH secretion to reduce fluid retention

Option 1: It stimulates vasodilation and reduces cardiac output. This is inconsistent with the established physiology of angiotensin II, which is known primarily for constricting blood vessels rather than promoting dilation; moreover, it tends to raise, not lower, systemic vascular resistance. The net effect on cardiac output can be complex, but vasodilation is not the hallmark action of angiotensin II, so this choice is misleading.

Option 2: It acts as a vasoconstrictor and stimulates aldosterone release. This aligns with classic renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) physiology: angiotensin II causes vasoconstriction, increasing systemic vascular resistance and blood pressure, and stimulates the adrenal cortex to secrete aldosterone, which promotes sodium and water reabsorption, further increasing blood volume and pressure. This option accurately captures the primary actions of angiotensin II relevant to BP regulation.

Option 3: It promotes sodium excretion and lowers blood volume. This directly contradicts angiotensin II’s effect on sodium reabsorption via aldosterone and its overall role in preserving or increasing blood volume; promoting excretion would reduce circulating volume, which does not describe angiotensin II’s function.

Option 4: It inhibits ADH secretion to reduce fluid retention. In fact, angiotensin II does not inhibit ADH as its main action; it can contribute to promoting ADH (vasopressin) release indirectly through pressure changes and central signaling, but the dominant regulated effect is aldosterone-mediated reabsorption and vasoconstriction. Therefore, this statement mischaracterizes the relationship between angiotensin II and ADH.

Summary: Among the given choices, the second option most accurately depicts the role of angiotensin II in blood pressure regulation by combining vasoconstriction with stimulation of aldosterone release, which together raise blood pressure and help conserve fluid and electrolytes. The other options describe actions that are inconsistent with the well-established effects of angiotensin II on vascular tone and fluid balance.

2025-HS2-NUR20006-Managing Chronic Care-H2 END OF TERM QUIZ [Module 5 - Module 8 inclusive]

Which of the following best describes the role of angiotensin II in blood pressure regulation?

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Similar Questions

Which of the following statements is/are true regarding the long-term control of blood pressure?

Question at position 22 What is the primary stimulus for the release of renin in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system?High potassium levels in the bloodSympathetic nervous system activityLow blood pressureHigh blood pressureLow sodium levels in the blood

Question at position 13 Which organ is primarily responsible for the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II?KidneysHeartLungsAdrenal glandsLiver

Question at position 64 In heart failure, to compensate for decreased CO, the RAAS system does which of the following? Select all that appy.Increases water retentionIncreases vasodilationIncreased blood pressureIncreases respirationsIncreases heart rate

The function of angiotensin II is to ________.

Question at position 55 Which of the following is NOT a function of angiotensin II?Stimulating the adrenal cortex to release aldosteroneDirectly stimulating renin secretion from the kidneysStimulating the posterior pituitary to release ADHIncreasing vasoconstriction to raise blood pressure

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