Certified Neuroscience Registered Nurse (CNRN) Practice Exam

What is a common symptom accompanying nausea?

1. Sweating

2. Increased appetite

3. Warmth in extremities

4. Enhanced focus

The correct answer is: Sweating

Nausea is often accompanied by autonomic symptoms due to its association with the gastrointestinal system and the body's response to discomfort or distress. Sweating is one of the common physiological responses that occurs with nausea. This is primarily due to the activation of the autonomic nervous system, particularly the sympathetic branch, which can cause an increase in perspiration in response to gastrointestinal irritation or distress. In contrast, options like increased appetite, warmth in extremities, and enhanced focus do not typically coincide with nausea. Increased appetite usually refers to a desire for food, which is counterintuitive to the experience of nausea. Warmth in the extremities may occur in various other conditions but is not a direct symptom of nausea. Enhanced focus may be diminished in the face of nausea, as discomfort can lead to distraction and decreased cognitive function. Thus, sweating stands out as the correct and typical companion symptom to nausea.