Sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activation can change these body functions except:

Choice A Reason:

The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is responsible for the “fight or flight” response, which prepares the body to respond to perceived threats. One of the primary effects of SNS activation is an increase in heart rate. This is achieved through the release of catecholamines like adrenaline, which stimulate the heart to pump more blood to vital organs and muscles.

Choice B Reason:

Another effect of SNS activation is an increase in blood glucose levels. This occurs because the body needs more energy to respond to stress. The SNS stimulates the liver to release glucose into the bloodstream, ensuring that muscles and other tissues have enough energy to function effectively during a stressful situation.

Choice C Reason:

The correct answer is that SNS activation does not increase GI motility and movement. In fact, it has the opposite effect. During a “fight or flight” response, the body prioritizes functions that are critical for immediate survival, such as increased heart rate and blood flow to muscles. As a result, non-essential functions like digestion are slowed down. The SNS decreases GI motility and movement to divert energy and blood flow to more critical areas.

Choice D Reason:

SNS activation also leads to an increase in blood pressure. This is achieved by constricting blood vessels and increasing the force of heart contractions. The purpose of this response is to ensure that enough blood and oxygen are delivered to essential organs and muscles during a stressful situation.

Choice A: Metabolic Acid Deficit (Metabolic Alkalosis)

Vomiting or continuous nasogastric suctioning leads to the loss of gastric contents, which are rich in hydrochloric acid (HCl)1. This loss results in a decrease in the body’s acid levels, leading to a condition known as metabolic alkalosis2. Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by an increase in blood pH due to the loss of hydrogen ions (H+) and an increase in bicarbonate (HCO3-) levels. This condition can cause symptoms such as muscle twitching, hand tremors, and light-headedness.

Choice B: Carbonic Acid Excess (Respiratory Acidosis)

Carbonic acid excess, or respiratory acidosis, occurs when there is an accumulation of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the blood, leading to a decrease in blood pH3. This condition is typically caused by respiratory issues such as hypoventilation, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or severe asthma. It is not directly related to vomiting or nasogastric suctioning, which primarily affect the metabolic component of acid-base balance.

Choice C: Metabolic Acid Excess (Metabolic Acidosis)

Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a decrease in blood pH due to an accumulation of metabolic acids or a loss of bicarbonate. Common causes include renal failure, diabetic ketoacidosis, and severe diarrhea. Vomiting or nasogastric suctioning, which result in the loss of gastric acid, do not lead to metabolic acidosis but rather to metabolic alkalosis.

Choice D: Carbonic Acid Deficit (Respiratory Alkalosis)

Respiratory alkalosis occurs when there is a decrease in carbon dioxide levels in the blood, leading to an increase in blood pH. This condition is often caused by hyperventilation due to anxiety, fever, or high altitude. It is not related to the loss of gastric contents through vomiting or nasogastric suctioning, which primarily affect the metabolic component of acid-base balance.