Which division of the autonomic nervous system is responsible for the "fight-or-flight" response?
Enteric
Somatic
Parasympathetic
Sympathetic
The Correct Answer is D
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) regulates involuntary physiological processes including heart rate, vascular tone, and respiratory drive. The sympathetic division mediates acute stress responses through catecholamine release, producing systemic adaptations that prepare the body for rapid defensive or escape actions.
Rationale:
A. The enteric system primarily regulates gastrointestinal motility and secretion independent of central nervous system control. It does not mediate systemic stress responses. Its function is localized to digestive tract coordination, not global cardiovascular or respiratory activation during stress.
B. The somatic system controls voluntary skeletal muscle movement via motor neurons. It is not part of autonomic regulation and does not mediate involuntary physiological changes associated with stress responses such as tachycardia or bronchodilation during threat situations.
C. The parasympathetic system governs rest-and-digest functions, promoting energy conservation, decreased heart rate, and increased digestive activity. It counterbalances sympathetic activity and is inhibited during acute stress rather than activated in fight-or-flight states.
D. The sympathetic system triggers fight-or-flight response through norepinephrine and epinephrine release. It increases heart rate, dilates bronchioles, and redirects blood flow to skeletal muscles. This prepares the body for rapid physical response to perceived threats or emergencies.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","E"]
Explanation
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune demyelinating disease causing impaired neurologic transmission, progressive motor dysfunction, altered sensory perception, and central nervous system plaque formation. Demyelination disrupts brainstem, cerebellar, and spinal cord pathways, producing weakness, dysphagia, paresthesia, vertigo, and spasticity.
Rationale:
A. Paresthesia commonly occurs in multiple sclerosis due to demyelination affecting sensory pathways within the brain and spinal cord. Clients frequently report numbness, tingling, burning sensations, or decreased tactile perception. Impaired sensory conduction and disrupted neuronal signaling contribute to these abnormal neurologic manifestations and discomfort.
B. Nausea and vomiting are not classic primary manifestations of multiple sclerosis and more commonly suggest gastrointestinal illness, vestibular disorders, or medication adverse effects. Although transient nausea may accompany vertigo, persistent gastrointestinal symptoms are atypical. Multiple sclerosis primarily causes neurologic impairment and progressive motor dysfunction rather than digestive abnormalities.
C. Dysphagia develops when demyelination affects cranial nerves and bulbar muscle coordination responsible for swallowing. Clients with advanced neurologic involvement are at increased risk for aspiration, malnutrition, and respiratory complications. Progressive brainstem involvement impairs coordinated swallowing mechanisms and decreases safe oral intake ability in affected individuals.
D. Spasticity is a characteristic motor finding caused by upper motor neuron dysfunction from central nervous system demyelination. Increased muscle tone, involuntary spasms, stiffness, and impaired mobility commonly occur during disease progression. Damage to descending motor pathways produces abnormal skeletal muscle hypertonicity and impaired coordinated movement.
E. Vertigo may occur in multiple sclerosis when demyelinating lesions involve vestibular pathways or cerebellar structures responsible for balance and spatial orientation. Clients can experience dizziness, unsteady gait, and impaired equilibrium. Central nervous system vestibular dysfunction and disrupted cerebellar coordination contribute to balance disturbances and vertiginous symptoms.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","E"]
Explanation
In spinal cord injury prolonged immobilization promotes venous thromboembolism through venous stasis, endothelial injury, and hypercoagulability leading to thrombus formation in deep veins of lower extremities pathophysiology explained in brief
Rationale:
A. Warmth on right leg indicates localized inflammatory response consistent with venous thrombosis in immobilized spinal cord injury patients. It reflects increased blood flow and cytokine-mediated vessel dilation around a clot. This finding strongly suggests deep vein thrombosis requiring prompt evaluation immediately.
B. Inflammation irritation calf suggests deep vein thrombosis inflammatory process in immobilized spinal cord injury client. It occurs due to fibrin clot formation causing endothelial activation and leukocyte infiltration. These localized signs require urgent assessment to prevent pulmonary embolism risk high.
C. Capillary refill less than 3 seconds indicates adequate peripheral perfusion and normal vascular status. It reflects intact microcirculation and sufficient oxygen delivery state maintained. In spinal cord injury this finding is clinically nonpathologic here. No immediate follow-up required clinically here.
D. Pedal pulses of 3+ indicate strong palpable arterial flow in the affected extremity. This finding suggests intact arterial circulation despite possible venous obstruction. In deep vein thrombosis arterial pulses are typically preserved clinically. This finding is not emergent for DVT.
E. Four plus edema of the right leg indicates severe unilateral swelling associated with venous obstruction. It results from impaired venous return and increased hydrostatic pressure. This is a classic sign of deep vein thrombosis present. Requires urgent evaluation now clinically.
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