Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) Practice Test

What body system evokes a physiologic response that is similar to the response evoked by sympathomimetic cardiovascular drugs?

1. Parasympathetic nervous system

2. Sympathetic nervous system

3. Central nervous system

4. Endocrine system

The correct answer is: Sympathetic nervous system

The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the "fight or flight" response, which is characterized by increased heart rate, heightened blood pressure, and enhanced blood flow to muscles. This physiological response is similar to the effects produced by sympathomimetic cardiovascular drugs, which mimic the actions of the sympathetic nervous system. Sympathomimetic drugs act on the same receptors and pathways activated by the sympathetic nervous system, leading to a cascade of effects such as vasodilation, increased cardiac output, and enhanced respiratory function. Understanding this connection is crucial for surgical first assistants and healthcare professionals, as it informs how patients may respond to specific drugs and how to anticipate and manage potential complications in a clinical setting. The other options involve different systems that do not primarily evoke the sympathetic "fight or flight" response. The parasympathetic nervous system generally promotes a "rest and digest" state, the central nervous system encompasses the brain and spinal cord without specifically linking to sympathomimetic responses, and the endocrine system regulates hormones but is not solely responsible for the immediate cardiovascular changes seen with sympathetic activation. Therefore, the sympathetic nervous system is the correct choice as it aligns closely with the physiological responses enacted by sympathomimetic drugs.