A nurse is educating a client about the sympathetic nervous system. Which of the following statements is correct?
The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for "fight or flight."
The sympathetic nervous system helps us to rest and digest.
The sympathetic nervous system Includes the cranial nerves.
The sympathetic nervous system can lower blood pressure.
The Correct Answer is A
A) The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for "fight or flight":
This is the correct answer. The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the "fight or flight" response, which prepares the body to react to perceived threats or stressors by increasing heart rate, dilating pupils, redistributing blood flow, and releasing stress hormones such as adrenaline and noradrenaline.
B) The sympathetic nervous system helps us to rest and digest:
This statement is incorrect. The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for the "rest and digest" response, which promotes relaxation, digestion, and conservation of energy.
C) The sympathetic nervous system includes the cranial nerves:
This statement is incorrect. The sympathetic nervous system is primarily associated with the thoracolumbar region of the spinal cord and does not include the cranial nerves, which are primarily associated with the parasympathetic nervous system.
D) The sympathetic nervous system can lower blood pressure:
This statement is incorrect. The sympathetic nervous system typically increases blood pressure as part of the "fight or flight" response by increasing heart rate and constricting blood vessels to redirect blood flow to vital organs and muscles.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) STAT administration of atropine:
This is the correct answer. Atropine is a cholinergic antagonist that can increase heart rate by blocking the action of acetylcholine on cardiac muscarinic receptors. In cases of severe bradycardia, especially if associated with symptoms such as dizziness, syncope, or hypotension, atropine is often administered to increase heart rate and improve cardiac output. The dose of atropine and frequency of administration depend on the severity of bradycardia and the clinical response.
B) Administration of activated charcoal:
Activated charcoal is used in cases of overdose or poisoning to absorb ingested toxins and prevent their absorption into the bloodstream. However, in this scenario, where the primary concern is bradycardia resulting from cholinesterase inhibitor (donepezil) toxicity, activated charcoal would not be effective in reversing the bradycardic effects of the medication.
C) Hemodialysis:
Hemodialysis is a renal replacement therapy used to remove toxins and waste products from the blood in individuals with kidney failure. While hemodialysis may be indicated in cases of severe drug overdose or poisoning to enhance toxin elimination, it is not typically used as a first-line intervention for bradycardia associated with cholinesterase inhibitor toxicity.
D) Intravenous administration of pseudoephedrine:
Pseudoephedrine is a sympathomimetic drug that acts as a vasoconstrictor and can increase heart rate and blood pressure. While it may be used to treat bradycardia in some cases, such as severe symptomatic bradycardia unresponsive to atropine, it is not the first-line treatment for cholinesterase inhibitor toxicity-induced bradycardia. Atropine is preferred due to its direct antagonism of muscarinic receptors in the heart.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Respiratory rate 18/min:
A respiratory rate of 18/min is within the normal range for adults and is not a contraindication for administering atenolol. This finding does not warrant withholding the medication.
B) Oxygen saturation 95%:
An oxygen saturation of 95% is within the normal range and does not indicate any acute respiratory compromise. It is not a contraindication for administering atenolol.
C) Heart rate 46/min:
A heart rate of 46/min is below the normal range (typically 60-100 beats per minute for adults). Atenolol is a beta-blocker that primarily acts to reduce heart rate and blood pressure. Administering atenolol to a client with bradycardia (heart rate less than 60/min) can further decrease heart rate and may lead to symptomatic bradycardia or heart block. Therefore, the nurse should withhold atenolol in this case and notify the healthcare provider.
D) Blood pressure 160/94 mm Hg:
A blood pressure of 160/94 mm Hg indicates hypertension (elevated blood pressure). While atenolol is often prescribed for the management of hypertension, this blood pressure reading alone does not warrant withholding the medication. However, the client's bradycardia (heart rate 46/min)’is a more immediate concern that requires action."
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