The nurse is reviewing a patient's lab results and notes an elevated BNP. 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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