National League for Nursing (NLN PAX) Practice Exam

During intense physical activity, which physiological change is most likely to occur?

1. Decreased heart rate

2. Increased oxygen absorption

3. Decreased blood CO2 levels

4. Increased blood acidity

The correct answer is: Increased oxygen absorption

During intense physical activity, the body's demand for oxygen increases significantly to fuel the heightened metabolic activity of the muscles. This leads to an increased oxygen absorption as the respiratory rate and depth of breathing elevate to facilitate more oxygen intake. Additionally, the cardiovascular system responds by raising the heart rate and cardiac output to ensure that oxygen-rich blood is delivered to the muscles effectively. While other options describe changes that might occur in the body, they do not reflect the primary physiological change during intense exercise. For instance, a decreased heart rate does not typically occur during intense activity; instead, heart rate increases to meet metabolic demands. Lower blood CO2 levels do not accurately represent the situation since CO2 levels may actually rise due to increased cellular respiration during strenuous activity. The notion of increased blood acidity is more complex; while lactic acid can build up during high-intensity exercise, it is a result of anaerobic metabolism rather than the general physiological change of increased oxygen absorption. Therefore, increased oxygen absorption is indeed the most direct and relevant change that occurs during intense physical activity.