A client's leg was pinned under a piece of heavy equipment in the workplace for several hours, during which he was in severe pain. The physiologic response that the occupational health nurse could have assessed in this situation is
A) a wide pulse pressure.
B) constricted pupils.
C) dry, cold skin.
D) tachycardia.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The physiologic response to acute pain is caused by stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system. The client will probably exhibit the manifestations of (a) increased or decreased blood pressure, (b) tachycardia, (c) diaphoresis, (d) tachypnea, (e) focusing on the pain, and (f) guarding the painful part.

A Client's Leg Was Pinned Under a Piece of Heavy