Question

Two hours before major surgery is to begin, the patient experiences "jitters," an elevated heart rate and blood pressure. These symptoms are the result of

A.) decreased levels of epinephrine in the blood.
B.) decreased activity of sympathetic centers in the hypothalamus.
C.) increased parasympathetic activity.
D.) sympathetic activation.
E.) All of these mechanisms.

Answer 1

The symptoms of jitters, elevated heart rate, and increased blood pressure before surgery are caused by sympathetic activation, driven by increased release of epinephrine and norepinephrine.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a patient experiences "jitters," an elevated heart rate, and increased blood pressure two hours before major surgery, these symptoms are indicative of sympathetic activation. The secretion of epinephrine and norepinephrine—hormones that promote the fight-or-flight response—is controlled by a neural pathway from the hypothalamus. These hormones cause various physiological responses, such as increased heart rate, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels, to prepare the body to handle perceived threats.