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

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

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.

A Patient Is Brought to the Emergency Department After a Motorcycle