A male student arrives at school to find that he has an unexpected exam for which he is unprepared. Which of the following would be expected?
Bronchoconstriction
Increased glucose production
Decreased cortisol release
Bradycardia
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A Reason:
Bronchoconstriction is the narrowing of the airways in the lungs due to the tightening of surrounding smooth muscle. This response is typically associated with conditions like asthma and is not a common reaction to acute stress. During stress, the sympathetic nervous system actually causes bronchodilation to increase airflow and oxygen delivery to the muscles.
Choice B Reason:
This is the correct answer. Increased glucose production is a typical response to acute stress. The body releases stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which stimulate the liver to produce more glucose. This process, known as glycogenolysis, ensures that the body has enough energy to handle the stressor. This response is part of the “fight-or-flight” mechanism, preparing the body for immediate physical activity.
Choice C Reason:
Decreased cortisol release is not expected during acute stress. In fact, cortisol levels typically increase as part of the body’s stress response. Cortisol helps to mobilize energy stores, suppress inflammation, and support cardiovascular function. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
Choice D Reason:
Bradycardia, or a slower than normal heart rate, is not a typical response to acute stress. Instead, the sympathetic nervous system increases heart rate (tachycardia) to ensure that more blood is pumped to vital organs and muscles. This helps the body to respond more effectively to the stressor.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A: Alkalosis
Alkalosis refers to a condition where the blood pH is higher than the normal range (above 7.45). In this case, the pH is 7.25, which indicates an acidic environment rather than an alkaline one. Therefore, alkalosis is not the correct answer.
Choice B: Respiratory
Respiratory acidosis or alkalosis is determined by the levels of PaCO2. In respiratory acidosis, PaCO2 is elevated, while in respiratory alkalosis, PaCO2 is decreased. Here, the PaCO2 is 20 mm Hg, which is below the normal range, indicating a respiratory component. However, the primary issue is not respiratory because the HCO3- is also significantly low, pointing towards a metabolic cause.
Choice C: Metabolic
Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a low pH and a low HCO3- level. In this case, the pH is 7.25, and the HCO3- is 10 mEq/L, both of which are below the normal ranges. This indicates that the primary acid-base imbalance is metabolic acidosis.
Choice D: Acidosis
Acidosis refers to a condition where the blood pH is lower than the normal range (below 7.35). The given pH of 7.25 confirms that the patient is experiencing acidosis. However, this choice alone does not specify whether it is metabolic or respiratory acidosis.
Choice E: With Compensation (Being Compensated)
Compensation refers to the body’s attempt to return the pH to normal by adjusting the levels of PaCO2 or HCO3-. In this case, the low PaCO2 suggests that there is a respiratory compensation for the metabolic acidosis. However, the primary imbalance remains metabolic acidosis.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Respiratory alkalosis occurs when a person breathes rapidly (hyperventilates), causing a decrease in carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in the blood. This reduction in CO2 leads to an increase in blood pH, resulting in alkalosis. Hyperventilation can be triggered by anxiety, fever, or other conditions that increase respiratory rate.
Choice B Reason:
Metabolic alkalosis is caused by an increase in bicarbonate (HCO3-) or a loss of hydrogen ions (H+), often due to vomiting, diuretic use, or excessive bicarbonate intake. It is not directly related to hyperventilation, which primarily affects CO2 levels rather than bicarbonate levels.
Choice C Reason:
Metabolic acidosis occurs when there is an excess of acid in the body or a loss of bicarbonate, often due to conditions like diabetic ketoacidosis, renal failure, or severe diarrhea. Hyperventilation does not cause metabolic acidosis; instead, it can be a compensatory response to metabolic acidosis to help lower CO2 levels and increase pH.
Choice D Reason:
Respiratory acidosis is caused by hypoventilation, where there is inadequate removal of CO2 from the body, leading to an increase in CO2 levels and a decrease in blood pH. This condition is the opposite of what occurs during hyperventilation, making this choice incorrect.
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