In a patient with Conn's syndrome, what would you expect to find in terms of potassium levels?

In Conn's syndrome, also known as primary hyperaldosteronism, one of the hallmark features is the excess production of aldosterone. Aldosterone plays a critical role in regulating sodium and potassium levels in the body. It promotes the reabsorption of sodium in the kidneys while facilitating the excretion of potassium.

Due to the excessive aldosterone in Conn's syndrome, there is increased renal excretion of potassium, leading to hypokalemia, which is characterized by decreased levels of potassium in the bloodstream. Therefore, in a patient with Conn's syndrome, you would indeed expect to find decreased potassium levels. This is a key diagnostic feature of the condition, aiding in differentiating it from other causes of hypertension.

While options suggesting normal, increased, or ambiguous potassium levels reflect variations of potassium management, they do not align with the physiological effects of excess aldosterone associated with Conn's syndrome.