When there is stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), blood is diverted away from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. What might the nurse assess that would indicate this diversion of blood flow to the GI tract?
Decreased bowel sound
Increased blood glucose level
Decreased immune reaction
Increased blood pressure
The Correct Answer is A
A) Decreased bowel sounds:
When the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is activated, such as during stress or a "fight-or-flight" response, blood is redirected away from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract to vital organs like the heart and muscles. This results in decreased gastrointestinal motility and function, which is reflected in a reduction in bowel sounds. Decreased bowel sounds are a direct consequence of reduced blood flow and decreased activity in the GI system.
B) Increased blood glucose level:
While it is true that SNS activation can lead to an increase in blood glucose due to the release of catecholamines (e.g., epinephrine), this response is related to the body’s preparation for physical exertion and not directly a result of blood being diverted from the GI tract. The increase in glucose levels is more about energy mobilization rather than an effect on blood flow to the GI tract.
C) Decreased immune reaction:
Sympathetic stimulation can indeed have effects on immune function, typically suppressing immune responses during a stress response. However, this is not directly linked to blood being diverted away from the GI tract. Immune suppression is more about the body prioritizing immediate survival (e.g., diverting energy to muscles for fight-or-flight) rather than a specific physiological consequence of GI blood flow changes.
D) Increased blood pressure:
Sympathetic nervous system activation does lead to an increase in blood pressure due to vasoconstriction and increased heart rate. However, increased blood pressure is a broader systemic response to SNS stimulation, and it is not directly related to blood being diverted from the GI tract. Blood pressure increases as part of the general "fight-or-flight" response, but it does not specifically indicate changes in GI blood flow.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) It decreases the activity of norepinephrine receptor sites: Cholinergic agonists specifically act on acetylcholine receptors, not norepinephrine receptors. Norepinephrine is associated with the sympathetic nervous system and its receptors (alpha and beta), whereas cholinergic agonists affect the parasympathetic system through acetylcholine receptors.
B) It increases the activity of acetylcholine receptor sites: This is the correct answer. Cholinergic agonists work by stimulating acetylcholine receptors (both muscarinic and nicotinic), thereby enhancing the action of acetylcholine. This can lead to various effects such as decreased heart rate, increased digestion, and muscle contraction, as part of the parasympathetic nervous system response.
C) It decreases the activity of GABA receptor sites: GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that acts on GABA receptors, not acetylcholine receptors. Cholinergic agonists have no direct effect on GABA receptor activity.
D) It increases the activity of dopamine receptor sites: Dopamine is a neurotransmitter primarily involved in the reward system, motor control, and mood regulation. Cholinergic agonists do not directly affect dopamine receptors. Instead, they target acetylcholine receptors, which are part of the parasympathetic nervous system.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) A patient with hypotension:
Patients with hypotension may have reduced blood flow to organs, which could potentially decrease the absorption and effectiveness of many medications, including opioids. As a result, the need for a higher dose is not typical. Instead, careful dosing and monitoring are required to avoid further lowering blood pressure, which could lead to more complications.
B) A patient with a concussion:
Concussions affect the brain and can lead to symptoms like dizziness, confusion, or nausea, which may alter how medications are metabolized or tolerated. However, a concussion does not typically require higher opioid doses. In fact, opioids should be used cautiously in such patients due to the risk of exacerbating neurological symptoms or respiratory depression.
C) A patient 3 days after surgery:
Patients recovering from surgery may require pain management, but the opioid dose typically adjusts based on their pain levels and recovery stage. While some patients may still need opioids for pain control, they may not require higher-than-expected doses. Over time, doses are often tapered as healing progresses, and pain lessens.
D) A patient with cancer:
Cancer patients, particularly those with advanced stages or chronic pain, may develop increased opioid tolerance. This means that over time, they may require higher doses to achieve the same level of pain relief. This phenomenon is known as "opioid tolerance," where the body becomes less responsive to the drug, necessitating dose adjustments.
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