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 A
Explanation
Choice A: Metabolic Acid Deficit (Metabolic Alkalosis)
Vomiting or continuous nasogastric suctioning leads to the loss of gastric contents, which are rich in hydrochloric acid (HCl)1. This loss results in a decrease in the body’s acid levels, leading to a condition known as metabolic alkalosis2. Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by an increase in blood pH due to the loss of hydrogen ions (H+) and an increase in bicarbonate (HCO3-) levels. This condition can cause symptoms such as muscle twitching, hand tremors, and light-headedness.
Choice B: Carbonic Acid Excess (Respiratory Acidosis)
Carbonic acid excess, or respiratory acidosis, occurs when there is an accumulation of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the blood, leading to a decrease in blood pH3. This condition is typically caused by respiratory issues such as hypoventilation, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or severe asthma. It is not directly related to vomiting or nasogastric suctioning, which primarily affect the metabolic component of acid-base balance.
Choice C: Metabolic Acid Excess (Metabolic Acidosis)
Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a decrease in blood pH due to an accumulation of metabolic acids or a loss of bicarbonate. Common causes include renal failure, diabetic ketoacidosis, and severe diarrhea. Vomiting or nasogastric suctioning, which result in the loss of gastric acid, do not lead to metabolic acidosis but rather to metabolic alkalosis.
Choice D: Carbonic Acid Deficit (Respiratory Alkalosis)
Respiratory alkalosis occurs when there is a decrease in carbon dioxide levels in the blood, leading to an increase in blood pH. This condition is often caused by hyperventilation due to anxiety, fever, or high altitude. It is not related to the loss of gastric contents through vomiting or nasogastric suctioning, which primarily affect the metabolic component of acid-base balance.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
The exhaustion stage is the final phase of the general adaptation syndrome (GAS). It occurs when the body has been exposed to stress for a prolonged period and can no longer maintain resistance. Symptoms of exhaustion include fatigue, burnout, depression, and decreased stress tolerance. Since the student is experiencing an immediate response to a sudden stressor, this stage does not apply.
Choice B Reason:
Adaptation is not a specific stage in the general adaptation syndrome. The correct stages are alarm, resistance, and exhaustion. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
Choice C Reason:
This is the correct answer. The alarm stage is the initial phase of the general adaptation syndrome, also known as the “fight-or-flight” response. During this stage, the body reacts to a stressor by activating the sympathetic nervous system, which leads to increased heart rate, rapid breathing, and heightened alertness. The student’s reaction to the near-miss accident fits this description perfectly.
Choice D Reason:
The stage of resistance is the second phase of the general adaptation syndrome. During this stage, the body attempts to adapt to the stressor and return to a state of balance. If the stressor persists, the body remains on high alert, but the initial shock of the alarm stage has passed. Since the student’s response is immediate and acute, it aligns with the alarm stage rather than the resistance stage.
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