A 22-year-old man arrives at the hospital emergency department after severing a major artery during a motorcycle accident. It is estimated that the patient lost approximately 700 mL of blood. His blood pressure is 90/55 mm Hg. Which of the following would be expected in response to hemorrhage in this man?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Hemorrhage leads to decreased blood pressure, which then stimulates the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) to increase blood volume and blood pressure. This leads to an increase in plasma renin activity, which ultimately leads to an increase in aldosterone secretion and increased sodium and water reabsorption in the kidneys, thus increasing blood volume and blood pressure. A decreased heart rate (A) and sympathetic nerve activity (B) would not be expected as compensation for hemorrhage. Decreased total peripheral resistance (C) and increased impulses from the carotid sinus (E) might be expected in response to increased RAAS activity, but these are not the primary physiological responses to hemorrhage.

A 22-Year-Old Man Arrives at the Hospital Emergency Department After