HESI General Chairside Assisting Practice Exam

Which factor is known to contribute to the occurrence of syncope?

1. Dehydration

2. Fatigue

3. Excessive heat

4. Low blood pressure

The correct answer is: Fatigue

Fatigue can indeed contribute to the occurrence of syncope, as it affects the body’s overall energy levels and can reduce the efficiency of the cardiovascular system in maintaining adequate blood flow to the brain. When a person is fatigued, they may not react as effectively to physical stressors, leading to dizziness or fainting due to insufficient cerebral perfusion. While other factors such as dehydration and low blood pressure are also known to play a significant role in causing syncope, they are not the answer in this instance. Dehydration can lead to a reduction in blood volume, and low blood pressure can impair adequate blood flow to the brain; however, the question specifically seeks the factor identified in the correct response. Excessive heat can similarly lead to syncope through mechanisms like heat exhaustion, but fatigue is more directly related to the body's inability to cope with exertion or stress due to insufficient rest and recovery. Therefore, fatigue stands out as a specific contributor to the risk of syncope.