A nurse is caring for a client who has been experiencing chronic stress due to work-related issues. Which physiological change(s) should the nurse expect to observe? Select all that apply.
Increased heart rate
Decreased blood pressure
Enhanced immune response
Elevated blood glucose levels
Decreased sex drive
Correct Answer : A,D,E
Choice A reason: Chronic stress activates the sympathetic nervous system, leading to increased heart rate. This is part of the "fight or flight" response, which prepares the body to respond to perceived threats.
Choice B reason: Blood pressure typically increases during stress due to vasoconstriction and elevated cardiac output. Decreased blood pressure is not a common physiological response to chronic stress.
Choice C reason: Chronic stress suppresses the immune system rather than enhancing it. Prolonged exposure to stress hormones like cortisol can impair immune function, increasing susceptibility to illness.
Choice D reason: Elevated blood glucose levels occur due to increased cortisol and adrenaline, which stimulate gluconeogenesis and reduce insulin sensitivity. This response is adaptive in acute stress but harmful when prolonged.
Choice E reason: Chronic stress can disrupt hormonal balance, including sex hormones, leading to decreased libido and sexual function. This is a well-documented effect of prolonged stress exposure.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Promoting access to mental health services for underserved populations is a key objective of Healthy People 2030. It aims to reduce disparities, improve access to care, and enhance mental health outcomes across diverse communities.
Choice B reason: Removing mental health services from schools contradicts Healthy People 2030 goals, which support integrated care and early intervention, especially in youth populations.
Choice C reason: Limiting crisis hotline availability would reduce access to emergency mental health support, which goes against the initiative’s emphasis on expanding resources and improving responsiveness.
Choice D reason: Discouraging mental health screenings in older adults undermines preventive care and early detection, which are central to Healthy People 2030’s objectives for aging populations.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: While nicotine withdrawal and irritability may affect comfort and emotional regulation, they do not pose an immediate threat to life or safety. This concern falls under physiological or psychological needs but is not the highest priority in terms of safety.
Choice B reason: Loneliness relates to love and belonging needs in Maslow’s hierarchy. Although important for emotional well-being, it does not represent an urgent safety issue compared to threats of self-harm.
Choice C reason: Concern about machine alarms may reflect anxiety or environmental discomfort. Unless the alarms indicate a malfunction affecting care, this is a lower priority than direct threats to life.
Choice D reason: Expressions of hopelessness and suicidal ideation represent a critical threat to life and safety. According to Maslow’s hierarchy, safety needs—especially those involving risk of harm—must be addressed before other concerns. Immediate intervention is required to ensure the client’s safety and initiate appropriate mental health support.
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