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Samaneh Hamidi
physiology week 7-13
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is the role of myelin in nerve signaling? | Myelin increases the speed of action potential conduction through saltatory conduction, allowing rapid communication—critical for reflexes and coordinated movement in patient care. |
| What part of the CNS coordinates vital life functions such as breathing and heart rate? | The brainstem (medulla oblongata), which nurses monitor closely in patients with head injuries or altered consciousness. |
| Why is the endocrine system essential for homeostasis? | It uses hormones to regulate metabolism, growth, fluid balance, and stress responses—vital concepts when evaluating lab results like TSH, cortisol, and insulin. |
| Why is stroke volume an important concept when evaluating cardiac output? | Stroke volume helps nurses determine perfusion status. Low stroke volume may signal dehydration, heart failure, or blood loss. |
| What is the main purpose of villi and microvilli in the small intestine? | To increase surface area for efficient nutrient absorption—critical in patients with malabsorption disorders or GI surgeries. |
| Why is rapid action potential transmission essential for safe and effective patient movement? | It allows the nervous system to coordinate muscle contraction quickly. In nursing, delayed nerve signaling—such as in diabetic neuropathy—can increase fall risk and impair patient mobility. |
| How does damage to the PNS affect the nursing assessment of peripheral circulation? | PNS damage may reduce sensation, masking early signs of ischemia. Nurses must rely on pulse, temperature, and skin integrity to prevent tissue injury. |
| Why must nurses carefully monitor vital signs when a patient is receiving a drug that stimulates the sympathetic nervous system? | Sympathetic stimulation increases heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen demand, which can be dangerous for cardiac-compromised patients. |
| Why do nurses assess hemoglobin levels when evaluating oxygenation? | Hemoglobin carries oxygen; even with normal respirations, low hemoglobin reduces oxygen delivery, leading to fatigue, dyspnea, or chest discomfort. |
| Why is nutrient absorption important when evaluating patients with chronic GI conditions? | Poor absorption can lead to weight loss, electrolyte imbalance, and fatigue. Nurses track intake, weight trends, bowel patterns, and hydration status. |
| How does lymphatic drainage relate to nursing assessments of edema? | Poor lymphatic function causes fluid accumulation. Nurses assess for pitting edema, skin integrity issues, and risk of cellulitis. |
| In COPD, retained __________ leads to respiratory acidosis and requires careful nursing monitoring. | CO₂ (carbon dioxide). |
| What is the primary function of the lymphatic system? | To return excess interstitial fluid to the bloodstream and support immune defense—important when assessing edema or lymph node enlargement. |
| Gas Exchange | The process in which oxygen enters the blood and carbon dioxide is removed in the alveoli; impaired in conditions like pneumonia, which affects nurses’ respiratory assessments. |