Kaplan Nursing Entrance Practice Exam

What effect does epinephrine have on blood glucose levels?

1. Decreases blood glucose levels

2. No effect on blood glucose levels

3. Increases blood glucose levels

4. Regulates electrolytes

The correct answer is: Increases blood glucose levels

Epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, plays a significant role in the body's fight-or-flight response, and one of its key effects is to increase blood glucose levels. This hormone is secreted by the adrenal glands during times of stress or physical activity. It stimulates processes in the liver and muscle cells, promoting glycogenolysis, which is the breakdown of glycogen into glucose. Additionally, epinephrine enhances gluconeogenesis, the formation of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources. By doing so, it ensures that there is an increased availability of glucose in the bloodstream, which is essential for providing immediate energy to the body's muscles and tissues during stressful situations or intense physical exertion. The other options present different effects that do not align with the physiological role of epinephrine regarding glucose metabolism. The hormone does not decrease blood glucose levels or have no effect; rather, it actively enhances glucose availability. It also does not play a direct role in regulating electrolytes, which involves different mechanisms and hormones. Therefore, the correct answer highlights the critical role of epinephrine in mobilizing energy resources by increasing blood glucose levels.