Final answer:
The nurse monitors deep tendon reflexes in a gestational hypertensive patient to detect signs of preeclampsia. Blood pressure regulation is monitored as part of negative feedback, while childbirth is an example of positive feedback. Nervous system damage can impair endocrine functions such as the fight-or-flight response.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a gestational hypertensive patient is hospitalized, the nurse monitors the deep tendon reflexes. This assessment is critical because increased reflex activity can be a sign of preeclampsia, which can lead to serious complications such as seizures (eclampsia). The monitoring of deep tendon reflexes is part of the overall assessment which also includes blood pressure regulation, monitoring for signs of increased blood pressure, and watching for changes in the level of consciousness.
The subject question falls under negative feedback mechanisms in physiological processes. Blood pressure regulation is a typical example of negative feedback, while childbirth is governed by a positive feedback mechanism. A patient arriving in the emergency department with a low blood pressure of 70/45 and displaying confusion and thirst likely indicates a state of shock, which can be due to various underlying issues such as dehydration or severe blood loss.
Concerning endocrine-related body functions, damage to the nervous system can impair the fight-or-flight response, as well as other mechanisms like blood glucose regulation and body heat regulation.