prednisone, a steroid drug that reduces inflammation, has some aldosterone-like effect on the kidney. predict of this treatment on blood pressure, blood volume, and edema. Explain.

Blood pressure, blood volume and edema would all increase with the use of prednisone.

Explanation: Aldosterone is a hormone secreted by the adrenal gland. It is essential for the conservation of sodium in the kidneys, salivary glands, sweat glands and colon. When acting in the kidneys aldosterone has an influence on the blood pressure, water retention or loss and blood volume through regulation of sodium and potassium levels.

Aldosterone works in the kidneys by retention of sodium and water with the loss of potassium. Use of prednisone, which has some aldosterone like effect would promote sodium and water retention. More sodium and water would lead to an increase in the blood volume and edema. The increased blood volume has an effect on the heart, requiring the heart to pump at higher pressures to compensate for the increased volume, hence the increase in blood pressure.