How it Works
Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (Free-Trial)

In a stressful situation, which axis is primarily activated to increase cortisol levels?

A.

Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis

B.

Hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis

C.

Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system

D.

Sympathetic nervous system

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A. Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis: The HPA axis is the primary hormonal axis activated during stress, with CRH → ACTH → cortisol resulting in increased cortisol levels.
B. Hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis: The HPG axis controls reproductive hormones and is not the primary axis for acute cortisol-mediated stress responses.
C. Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system: The RAAS helps regulate blood pressure and volume (aldosterone) and can be activated in some stressors but is not the main system for raising cortisol.
D. Sympathetic nervous system: The sympathetic nervous system mediates the fast "fight-or-flight" response (epinephrine/norepinephrine) but the slower hormonal increase in cortisol is primarily via the HPA axis.


Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Free Nursing Study Resources

Related Questions

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Lymphocytes:Lymphocytes (B and T cells) typically increase in viral infections and chronic immune responses rather than in acute bacterial infections.
B. Eosinophils:Eosinophils increase primarily in parasitic infections and allergic reactions, not characteristically in acute bacterial infections.
C. Basophils:Basophils are involved in allergic and certain inflammatory responses and do not usually show a marked increase during acute bacterial infections.
D. Neutrophils:Neutrophils are first-line phagocytic responders and commonly increase (neutrophilia) in acute bacterial infections to help ingest and destroy bacteria.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Defending against infections:Red blood cells do not have immune functions; defense against infection is primarily the role of white blood cells.
B. Clotting blood:Clotting is mainly mediated by platelets and clotting factors in plasma, not by red blood cells.
C. Transporting oxygen:Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, which binds oxygen in the lungs and carries it to tissues — their primary function.
D. Carrying nutrients:Nutrient transport is primarily performed by plasma (dissolved nutrients) and the digestive/transport systems, not red blood cells.

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

Register