Psychophysiological stress response from acute illness and being in an ICU can lead to a decrease in which of the following?

The psychophysiological stress response that occurs during acute illness and ICU admission leads to various physiological changes in the body as it reacts to stressors. One significant effect of this stress response is a decrease in urine output.

When a patient experiences stress, the body activates the sympathetic nervous system and releases stress hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline. This activation can cause vasoconstriction, where blood vessels narrow, effectively redirecting blood flow to vital organs and reducing blood flow to the kidneys. As a result, the kidneys respond by conserving water in an effort to maintain blood volume and pressure, which can lead to decreased urine output.

Patients in an ICU setting commonly have altered fluid balances due to their conditions and treatment modalities, further influencing urine production. In contrast, while heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate can also be affected by stress responses, a direct correlation with decreased urine output is particularly notable in the context of acute illness and intensive care.