You are caring for a client in the compensation stage of shock. You know that one of the body's mechanisms of compensation in this stage of shock is the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. What does this system do?

The patient above is in the condition of a "compensated/compensatory stage of shock." This stage follows the initial stage of shock. At this point, the person's body has a low amount of blood circulating in the body. However, he is still able to maintain his blood pressure as well as his "perfusion" due to the presence of "renin-angiotensine-aldosterone-system," also known as "RAAS."

This hormone system works by regulating the body's blood pressure. Due to low renal blood volume (the blood circulating in the kidneys), the kidneys secrete "renin." Renin then acts on angiotensin (a protein), which allows the formation of angiotensine I. Angiotensine I is converted to angiotensine II through the presence of angiotensine-converting enzyme. Angiotensine II is a potent vasoconstrictor, thus it also helps in increasing the blood volume.

The formation of angiotensine II stimulates "aldosterone" hormone which is released from the adrenal glands. This hormone allows water and sodium to be reabsorbed. In order to maintain a good electrolyte balance, the potassium is removed. This results to an increase fluid in the body, thereby leading to an increase blood pressure.