Final answer:
Sympathetic arousal from stress leads to bronchodilation of the airways, an increase in blood pressure, and various other physiologic changes that prepare the body for a 'fight or flight' response.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse giving a presentation to nursing students on the autonomic nervous system's response to stress should explain that sympathetic arousal from a stressor causes various physiological reactions conducive to a 'fight or flight' response. One of the hallmark responses is bronchodilation of the airways, allowing for greater air exchange and oxygen uptake, necessary for preparing the body for immediate physical action. Other responses include an increase in heart rate, the activation of sweat glands, pupil dilation, a general increase in blood pressure, and vasoconstriction of blood vessels to non-essential systems (like the digestive system), while dilating blood vessels in skeletal muscles to ensure adequate oxygen and nutrient delivery during times of physical exertion.