Question

A client is admitted to the unit visibly anxious. When assessing the client, the nurse would expect to see which cardiovascular effect produced by the sympathetic nervous system?

1. Syncope
2. Decreased blood pressure
3. Increased heart rate
4. Decreased pulse rate

Answer 1

The nurse would expect to see an increased heart rate when assessing an anxious client.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse would expect to see the increased heart rate produced by the sympathetic nervous system when assessing a visibly anxious client. In response to strong emotions, the sympathetic nervous system activates the fight-or-flight response, which involves the release of epinephrine and norepinephrine. These hormones increase heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate, preparing the body to handle the perceived threat or stressor.