A patient is brought to the emergency department after a motorcycle accident. The patient is alert and responsive and is diagnosed with a broken leg. The patient's vital signs are pulse (P) 72 and respiration (R) 16. After being informed surgery is required for the broken leg, which vital sign readings would be expected?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The anticipation of surgery can cause anxiety, leading to an increase in sympathetic nervous system activity, which typically results in elevated heart rate (pulse) and respiratory rate.

A Patient Is Brought to the Emergency Department After a Motorcycle