Asked by Caitlin Bagwell on Jul 18, 2024
Verified
A patient is brought to the emergency department after a motorcycle accident. The patient is alert, responsive, and diagnosed with a broken leg. The patient's vital signs are temperature (T) , 98.6° F; pulse (P) , 72 beats per minute (bpm) ; and respirations (R) , 16 breaths per minute. After being informed that surgery is required for the broken leg, which vital sign readings would be expected?
A) T, 98.6°; P, 64; R, 14
B) T, 98.6°; P, 68; R, 12
C) T, 98.6°; P, 62; R, 16
D) T, 98.6°; P, 84; R, 22
Vital Signs
Measurements of the body's most basic functions, including temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure.
Broken Leg
A fracture or complete break in one of the bones of the leg.
- Recognize the role of cortisol in the stress response.
Verified Answer
CF
Christopher FredetteJul 19, 2024
Final Answer :
D
Explanation :
The patient would experience stress associated with the anticipation of surgery. In times of stress, the sympathetic nervous system takes over (fight-or-flight response) and sends signals to the adrenal glands, thereby releasing epinephrine. The circulating epinephrine increases the heart rate. Respirations increase, bringing more oxygen to the lungs.
Learning Objectives
- Recognize the role of cortisol in the stress response.