A patient admitted to the emergency department with "excruciating chest pain, above the rating of 10," has a heart rate of 55, rapid, irregular respirations, complains of nausea, and is too weak to move to the stretcher without aid. Which component of the nervous system is the cause of this patient's response to pain?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

During severe or deep pain the parasympathetic nervous system may cause pallor; rapid, irregular breathing; nausea; and vomiting. The sympathetic nervous system responds to acute pain by increasing heart rate, increasing blood pressure, causing diaphoresis, increasing respiratory rate, increasing muscle tension, dilating pupils, and decreasing gastrointestinal motility. The central nervous system includes the brain and spinal cord. The manifestations described in the case are due to parasympathetic nervous system stimulation.

A Patient Admitted to the Emergency Department with "Excruciating Chest