Pharmacy Curriculum Outcomes Assessment (PCOA) Practice Exam

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Prepare for the Pharmacy Curriculum Outcomes Assessment (PCOA) with comprehensive quizzes and multiple-choice questions. Each question is designed to enhance your knowledge and skills needed to excel in your exam!

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What contributes to the development of ascites?

Increased aldosterone secretion
Decreased blood viscosity
Reduced sodium excretion
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.