The nurse recognizes that chronic stress can lead to a variety of illnesses in a patient. This is primarily because:
chronic stress changes genetic structure.
physiologic responses that were originally adaptive become maladaptive over time.
the patient experiences a deficit of available corticosteroids and catecholamines
the patient loses psychologic energy while worrying about stress.
The Correct Answer is B
B. This statement aligns with the concept of allostatic load, which refers to the cumulative physiological toll that chronic stress places on the body over time. Initially, the body's stress response system (the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the sympathetic nervous system) is designed to help individuals cope with acute stressors. However, when stress becomes chronic, these physiological responses can become dysregulated and maladaptive, leading to negative health outcomes such as cardiovascular disease, immune dysfunction, and mental health disorders.
A. Chronic stress has been associated with various changes in gene expression and epigenetic modifications. However, these changes typically occur over longer periods and are not the primary mechanism by which chronic stress leads to illness in most cases.
C. Chronic stress can lead to dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the sympathetic nervous system, which are responsible for producing and regulating corticosteroids (such as cortisol) and catecholamines (such as adrenaline and noradrenaline). While acute stress typically results in increased production of these stress hormones, chronic stress can lead to desensitization and dysregulation of these systems, resulting in alterations in hormone levels and potential deficits in the availability of these stress mediators. However, deficits in corticosteroids and catecholamines are not the sole mechanism by which chronic stress leads to illness.
D. While chronic stress can certainly contribute to psychological fatigue and depletion of energy reserves, this is not the primary mechanism by which chronic stress leads to illness. The physiological responses to chronic stress, such as dysregulation of stress hormones, inflammation, and oxidative stress, are more directly linked to the development of various illnesses.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
C. This is a critical initial step before administering enteral feedings. Aspirating stomach contents helps confirm the placement of the nasogastric tube in the stomach rather than the respiratory tract. Checking the pH of the aspirate can further confirm gastric placement, as gastric fluid typically has an acidic pH (usually less than 5). This step ensures that the feeding will be delivered to the correct location, minimizing the risk of aspiration.
A. While it's important for the formula to be at an appropriate temperature for administration to prevent discomfort or complications such as cramping, this is not typically the first action to take. It can be done concurrently with other preparatory steps.
B. Proper labeling of the feeding container is essential for patient safety and adherence to institutional policies. However, this is not the first action to be completed. It's usually done after preparing the feeding and confirming the tube placement.
D. Assessing residual volume involves checking for any residual contents in the stomach from previous feedings. This step helps determine how much of the previous feeding remains in the stomach and whether it's safe to administer the next feeding. However, it typically follows confirming tube placement, as it's essential to know the tube is in the correct position before assessing residual volume.
Correct Answer is ["A","B"]
Explanation
A. pH 7.29: A respiratory rate of 6 breaths per minute suggests hypoventilation, which can lead to respiratory acidosis due to retention of carbon dioxide (CO2). A decrease in pH (acidosis) is expected in this scenario.
B. PaCO2 54: In respiratory acidosis, PaCO2 levels are elevated due to inadequate ventilation, leading to CO2 retention. Therefore, an elevated PaCO2 level would be anticipated in this situation.
C. pH 7.51: A pH of 7.51 indicates alkalosis, which is not consistent with the expected respiratory acidosis in the context of opioid overdose and hypoventilation. Therefore, this choice is not anticipated.
D. PaO2 72: Oxygenation may be impaired in opioid overdose due to respiratory depression, but this PaO2 level is within the normal range. Hypoxemia is not typically a prominent feature of respiratory acidosis unless there are concurrent respiratory conditions or complications. Therefore, this choice is not anticipated.
E. PaCO2 31: A PaCO2 level of 31 indicates hypocapnia, which is not consistent with the expected respiratory acidosis in the context of opioid overdose and hypoventilation. Therefore, this choice is not anticipated.

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.