The nurse is reviewing a patient's lab results and notes an elevated BNP (brain natriuretic peptide). The nurse understands that an elevated BNP is caused by:

Explanation

•BNP, or brain natriuretic peptide, is a substance that opposes the action of aldosterone. When the ventricular wall is stretched during congestive heart failure, BNP is released.

•BNP causes vasorelaxation and inhibition of aldosterone, thereby lowering fluid volume and blood pressure.

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