Recording-2025-03-07T17:03:40.631Z

Bladder Function and Sympathetic Nervous System

• Bladder Actions:

  • When considering effects on the bladder, it is critical to understand whether it relaxes or constricts.

  • The bladder generally constricts during stress responses managed by the sympathetic nervous system, raising concerns about urinary retention.

Sympathetic Nervous System Effects on Organs

• Lungs:

  • During activation of the sympathetic nervous system, the lungs dilate (expand).

  • This dilation facilitates better oxygen intake, vital during a 'fight or flight' situation, ensuring that the body can adequately meet the increased oxygen demands for survival.

• Stomach:

  • The sympathetic response leads to decreased function of the stomach, minimizing digestive activity as energy is redirected toward survival tasks.

• Blood Pressure:

  • During stress, blood pressure is typically elevated due to the increased heart rate and force of contraction, allowing for greater circulation of blood and oxygen to essential organs.

Medications Impacting the Sympathetic Nervous System

• Beta Blockers:

  • These medications exert the opposite effects of sympathetic stimulation (fight or flight).

  • They promote the rest and digest state by leading to reduced heart rate and increased digestive activity.

• Alpha Blockers:

  • Similar to beta blockers, alpha blockers also open blood vessels and reduce blood pressure, countering the typical effects of the sympathetic nervous system.

First Attempt in Learning

• The discussion emphasizes that this is students' first exposure to the material, reinforcing that mistakes are part of the learning process.

• Students are encouraged to ask questions and clarify doubts to aid their understanding of pharmacology.

Clinical Responsibilities

• As nursing students, it is critical to report any mistakes immediately to instructors.

• Delay in reporting complications can result in severe consequences, including failure in clinical settings.

Advocacy in Nursing

• Non-maleficence:

  • This principle refers to the duty to do no harm.

• Justice:

  • Encompasses fairness and equal opportunity in care and treatment.

• Veracity:

  • Important to ensure honesty and transparency in the nurse-patient relationship, building trust and aiding healing.