A nurse is teaching a patient about a medication that alters sympathetic nervous system functions. To evaluate understanding, the nurse asks the patient to describe which functions the sympathetic nervous system regulates. Which answer indicates the need for further teaching?

Choice A Reason:

Tertiary prevention involves measures taken to reduce the impact of an ongoing illness or injury that has lasting effects. This includes rehabilitation and efforts to prevent further complications or deterioration. Vaccination, however, is aimed at preventing the disease before it occurs, which does not align with the concept of tertiary prevention.

Choice B Reason:

Primary prevention refers to actions taken to prevent the onset of disease before it occurs. Vaccination is a classic example of primary prevention because it aims to protect individuals from contracting diseases by stimulating the immune system to recognize and fight specific pathogens. In this case, the meningococcal vaccine helps prevent meningitis, making it a primary preventive measure.

Choice C Reason:

Disease treatment involves managing and caring for a patient to combat a disease or condition. This includes interventions aimed at curing the disease, alleviating symptoms, or preventing complications. Vaccination does not fall under disease treatment because it is a preventive measure rather than a therapeutic one

Choice D Reason:

Secondary prevention focuses on early detection and prompt intervention to prevent the progression of a disease. This includes screening tests and early treatment of conditions to halt or slow their progression. Vaccination, however, is intended to prevent the disease from occurring in the first place, which is not the goal of secondary prevention.

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.