A nurse is assessing the vital signs of a client in the cardiac clinic. The nurse observes the client's blood pressure and heart
rate are higher than what is normally expected for this client. The client tells the nurse, "I'm always so nervous when I come to the clinic." The nurse interprets the client's statement and vital signs as reflecting which situation?
The nurse interprets the client's statement and vital signs are reflecting fight and flight response.
Explanation:
Fight and flight situation arises when body is subjected to acute stress. Under such stress body's sympathetic system is activated and starts releasing stress hormones which are epinephrine and norepinephrine. The sudden release of these hormones bring certain changes in body including an elevated heart rate and blood pressure.
So, in this case, the client's blood pressure and heart rate was higher than normal because her body experienced fight and flight condition.
