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?

Choice A: Beta 2 Agonist Decreases Blood Pressure

Beta 2 agonists primarily cause bronchodilation and vasodilation, which can lead to a decrease in blood pressure. However, this is not their primary function, and they are more commonly associated with the relaxation of smooth muscles in the airways.

Choice B: Beta 1 Agonist Increases Blood Pressure

Beta 1 receptors are primarily located in the heart. Activation of these receptors increases heart rate and contractility, which in turn increases cardiac output and blood pressure. Therefore, beta 1 agonists are known to increase blood pressure.

Choice C: Beta 2 Agonist Reduces Blood Pressure

Similar to choice A, beta 2 agonists can cause vasodilation, which may reduce blood pressure. However, this is not their primary therapeutic use, and they are mainly used for their bronchodilatory effects.

Choice D: Beta 1 Agonist Reduces Blood Pressure

Beta 1 agonists increase heart rate and contractility, leading to an increase in blood pressure. Therefore, this statement is incorrect as beta 1 agonists do not reduce blood pressure.

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.