Certified Transport Registered Nurse Certification Practice Exam

Which physiological effect does vasoconstriction NOT cause?

1. Increased blood pressure

2. Decreased skin sensitivity

3. Increased urinary output

4. Reduced blood flow to extremities

The correct answer is: Increased urinary output

Vasoconstriction is the process by which blood vessels narrow, which has several physiological effects on the body. One of the primary outcomes of vasoconstriction is an increase in blood pressure due to the reduced diameter of the blood vessels, which increases resistance to blood flow. Additionally, vasoconstriction can lead to decreased skin sensitivity because the blood flow to the skin is reduced; this can result in a cooler external temperature of the skin and a diminished sensation. The reduced blood flow to extremities is also a direct effect, as the body prioritizes blood supply to vital organs during vasoconstrictive states. However, one effect that vasoconstriction does not typically cause is increased urinary output. In fact, vasoconstriction often leads to decreased renal perfusion, which can result in reduced urine production as the kidneys receive less blood flow. Hence, increased urinary output would be contrary to the physiological response associated with vasoconstriction.