Chronic activation of stress hormones can lead to:
Select all that apply:

Choice A: Alpha 1 Agonist and Alpha 2 Antagonist Increase Blood Pressure

Alpha 1 receptors are primarily located on the smooth muscles of blood vessels. When activated by an agonist, these receptors cause vasoconstriction, which increases blood pressure. On the other hand, alpha 2 receptors are found on presynaptic nerve terminals and act to inhibit the release of norepinephrine. An antagonist at alpha 2 receptors would prevent this inhibition, leading to increased norepinephrine release, further promoting vasoconstriction and increasing blood pressure. Therefore, the combination of an alpha 1 agonist and an alpha 2 antagonist would synergistically increase blood pressure.

Choice B: Alpha 1 Agonist and Alpha 2 Agonist Decrease Blood Pressure

Alpha 1 agonists increase blood pressure by causing vasoconstriction. Alpha 2 agonists, however, decrease blood pressure by inhibiting norepinephrine release, leading to vasodilation. Therefore, this combination would not decrease blood pressure as the effects of the alpha 1 agonist would counteract the effects of the alpha 2 agonist.

Choice C: Alpha 1 and Alpha 2 Agonist Increase Blood Pressure

While alpha 1 agonists increase blood pressure through vasoconstriction, alpha 2 agonists actually decrease blood pressure by reducing norepinephrine release. Therefore, this statement is incorrect as the combined effect would not result in an increase in blood pressure.

Choice D: Alpha 1 Antagonist and Alpha 2 Agonist Decrease Blood Pressure

Alpha 1 antagonists block the vasoconstrictive action of alpha 1 receptors, leading to vasodilation and a decrease in blood pressure. Alpha 2 agonists also decrease blood pressure by inhibiting norepinephrine release. Therefore, this combination would indeed decrease blood pressure, making this statement partially correct but not the best answer compared to choice A.

Choice A Reason:

Tertiary prevention focuses on managing and mitigating the complications of an existing disease to prevent further deterioration. For obesity, this might involve interventions like bariatric surgery or intensive management of comorbid conditions such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease. In this scenario, the goal is not to prevent the onset of disease but to manage its long-term effects and improve quality of life.

Choice B Reason:

Disease treatment refers to the direct management of a diagnosed condition. For a diabetic teen, this could include medications like insulin or metformin, regular monitoring of blood glucose levels, and other medical interventions to control diabetes. While a low-calorie diet and exercise are important components of diabetes management, they are more aligned with preventive measures rather than direct treatment.

Choice C Reason:

Secondary prevention aims to detect and address a disease early in its course to prevent progression. This might include screening programs, early interventions, and lifestyle modifications for individuals at high risk of developing a condition. In the context of diabetes, secondary prevention could involve regular blood glucose monitoring and early dietary changes to prevent the progression from prediabetes to diabetes.

Choice D Reason:

Primary prevention involves measures taken to prevent the onset of a disease before it occurs. This includes lifestyle interventions such as a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight. For an obese diabetic teen, a prescription for a low-calorie diet and exercise program is aimed at preventing further weight gain and reducing the risk of developing additional health complications, making it a primary prevention strategy.