Which physiological change is expected in a client experiencing acute pain?

In the context of acute pain, various physiological responses can occur in the body. One notable and expected response is the increase in heart rate. When a person experiences acute pain, the body activates the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the "fight or flight" response. This activation leads to the release of catecholamines like adrenaline, resulting in an increased heart rate as the body prepares to deal with the stress from pain.

Similarly, blood pressure tends to elevate during episodes of acute pain due to these same sympathetic responses. The body prioritizes sufficient blood flow to muscles and vital organs in reaction to stressors, including pain.

Furthermore, respiratory rate is also likely to increase as part of the body's response to acute pain. This is due to the need for more oxygen intake, which is heightened during stressful or painful scenarios.

Decreased skin temperature, however, does not typically result from acute pain. In fact, skin temperature may remain stable or increase during acute pain due to sympathetic stimulation, leading to increased blood flow to the surface of the skin. Thus, the physiological changes most commonly associated with acute pain include increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and increased respiratory rate, making the elevation of skin temperature more accurate than a decrease.