Which signs would suggest to a nurse that a patient is undergoing a stress response? (Choose all that apply)
The patient’s blood glucose level is 36 mg/dL.
The patient’s heart rate is 132 beats per minute.
The patient’s pupils are dilated.
The patient’s blood pressure is 104/56 mmHg.
The patient is having difficulty sleeping at night.
Correct Answer : B,C,E
Choice B rationale:
Heart rate: During a stress response, the sympathetic nervous system is activated, leading to a release of hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones increase heart rate, preparing the body for a "fight or flight" response. A heart rate of 132 beats per minute is significantly elevated compared to a normal resting heart rate of 60-100 beats per minute, suggesting a stress response.
Choice C rationale:
Pupil dilation: Pupil dilation is another physiological change associated with the activation of the sympathetic nervous system during stress. The dilation allows more light to enter the eyes, enhancing visual acuity and awareness of surroundings, which can be helpful in responding to potential threats.
Choice E rationale:
Difficulty sleeping: Stress can negatively impact sleep in several ways. It can cause racing thoughts, anxiety, and physical tension, making it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. Sleep disturbances are a common symptom of stress and can further exacerbate its effects.
Rationale for incorrect choices:
Choice A: Blood glucose level can be affected by stress, but a low blood glucose level of 36 mg/dL is more likely to be due to other causes such as hypoglycemia or insulin therapy. It's not a direct indicator of a stress response.
Choice D: Blood pressure can increase during stress, but a blood pressure of 104/56 mmHg is within the normal range and does not necessarily indicate a stress response.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Rationale for Choice A:
While maintaining normal body temperature is important for overall health, it's not the most immediate priority in a patient with fluid volume deficit due to ongoing bleeding. Fluid volume status takes precedence over temperature regulation in this context.
Hypovolemia can lead to hypothermia, but addressing the fluid deficit directly will also help stabilize temperature.
Focusing solely on temperature could delay crucial interventions to address the fluid loss and potentially worsen the patient's condition.
Rationale for Choice B:
An intact surgical incision is essential for proper wound healing and prevention of infection. However, in the context of active bleeding, it's not the priority outcome.
Maintaining adequate fluid volume is crucial to ensure perfusion of tissues, delivery of oxygen and nutrients, and proper organ function—all of which take precedence over incision integrity in this acute situation.
Addressing the fluid deficit will indirectly support wound healing by promoting tissue perfusion and reducing the risk of complications.
Rationale for Choice C:
Patient education is important, but it's not the most immediate priority in a patient with active bleeding and fluid volume deficit.
The patient's ability to comprehend and implement measures to reduce fluid loss may be compromised due to the hypovolemic state and potential cognitive effects.
Focusing on patient education at this stage could delay essential interventions to address the fluid loss and potentially worsen the patient's condition.
Rationale for Choice D:
Urine output is a sensitive and reliable indicator of renal perfusion and overall fluid status. In a patient with fluid volume deficit, maintaining a urine output of at least 30 mL/hour is a key indicator that the kidneys are receiving adequate blood flow and that fluid volume is being restored.
This outcome directly addresses the fluid deficit and serves as a measurable goal for fluid replacement therapy.
It takes priority over other choices because it directly reflects the patient's fluid status and the effectiveness of interventions to address the bleeding and fluid loss.
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