Question

As you assess the first client of the day, she begins to perspire profusely, her hands begin to shake, and you notice that her pupils are dilated. What is the MOST likely cause of these symptoms?

Answer 1

The symptoms described, including profuse sweating, shaking hands, and dilated pupils, are indicative of an activation of the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body's fight-or-flight response.

Step-by-step explanation:

The symptoms described, including profuse sweating, shaking hands, and dilated pupils, are indicative of an activation of the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body's fight-or-flight response. In this case, the most likely cause of these symptoms is an increased release of the hormone adrenaline (also known as epinephrine) in response to a stressor. Adrenaline triggers a cascade of physiological responses, including increased heart rate, sweating, and pupil dilation, to prepare the body for an emergency situation.