The nurse is caring for a client with multisystem organ failure. Which client assessment findings are under the control of the sympathetic nervous system?

Question

Standard Text: Select all that apply.
1. Blood glucose level 210 mg/dL
2. Blood pressure 180/90 mmHg
3. Total cholesterol level 300 mg/dL
4. Respiratory rate 14 and regular
5. Hyperactive bowel sounds

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 1,2,3
Rationale 1: Metabolic effects such as an increase in blood glucose are a sympathetic nervous system function.
Rationale 2: The constriction and relaxation of arterioles is controlled entirely by the sympathetic nervous system.
Rationale 3: Metabolic effects such as the mobilization of lipids for energy are a sympathetic nervous system function.
Rationale 4: The respiratory rate would be faster and deeper when under sympathetic nervous system control.
Rationale 5: When under the sympathetic nervous system control, peristalsis is temporarily suspended.
Global Rationale: Metabolic effects such as an increase in blood glucose and mobilization of lipids are both sympathetic nervous system functions. The constriction and relaxation of arterioles is controlled entirely by the sympathetic nervous system. The respiratory rate would be faster and deeper when under sympathetic nervous system control. When under the sympathetic nervous system control, peristalsis is temporarily suspended.