Final answer:
The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for 'rest and digest' functions; thus, in an anxious client, a nurse would generally observe effects of the sympathetic nervous system. True parasympathetic responses would include decreased respiration and increased intestinal peristalsis, not hyperactivity or tension typically seen with sympathetic activation.
Step-by-step explanation:
When performing a physical examination on an anxious client, a nurse would expect to find effects associated with the sympathetic nervous system rather than the parasympathetic nervous system since anxiety typically triggers the “fight-or-flight” response. However, if we are looking for effects produced by the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the “rest and digest” functions, one could expect findings like decreased minute respiration, increased intestinal peristalsis, or contraction of bladder muscles leading to normal micturition.
Most of the options provided, such as hyperactive bowel sounds (indicative of stress), decreased urine output (sympathetic effect), constipation, and muscle tension (also sympathetic effects), are typically results of sympathetic activation so they would not be expected findings of parasympathetic influence during an exam of an anxious client.