The system that is responsible for all the sensations of the body is called

Appeared in: NHM UP Staff Nurse-2021 Shift-2nd

Explanation

The nervous system is the body's primary communication and control network.
It is composed of the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and special sense organs (like eyes and ears).
Its sensory function involves detecting stimuli from both inside (internal environment) and outside (external environment) the body.
Sensory nerves transmit this information as nerve impulses to the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), where it is processed and perceived as sensations like touch, pain, temperature, and sight.

Option A: The skeletal system's primary functions are to provide a structural framework, protect organs, and allow for movement. It does not process sensory information.
Option B: The gastrointestinal system is responsible for the digestion of food, absorption of nutrients, and elimination of waste. It is not the primary system for general body sensations.
Option D: The excretory system, which includes the kidneys, is responsible for filtering waste from the blood and maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance. It does not process sensations.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Functions of Major Body Systems as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding the nervous system's role in sensation is fundamental for nurses performing neurological assessments. This includes testing a patient's ability to feel touch, pain, and temperature to identify any sensory deficits.
A thorough sensory assessment can help in the early detection of conditions like peripheral neuropathy, spinal cord injury, or stroke.
What if? - If a patient with long-standing diabetes reports numbness and tingling in their feet, the nurse's understanding of the nervous system would prompt an assessment for peripheral neuropathy. This condition involves damage to peripheral nerves, impairing sensation and increasing the patient's risk of foot injuries going unnoticed.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question, which is 'sensations'.
Next, consider the primary function of each body system listed in the options.
Recall that the skeletal system is for structure, the gastrointestinal system is for digestion, and the excretory system is for waste removal.
Match the term 'sensations' with the system responsible for detecting and processing stimuli from the environment, which is the nervous system.
This process of elimination confirms that the nervous system is the only plausible answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QeWkJVxtoGaVcLRnJMguTT

E6 Anatomy Applied Ashalatha 4e p. 51-53

E6 Physiology Essentials Sembulingam 10e Part 1 p. 61-63

Practise the full NHM UP Staff Nurse-2021 Shift-2nd

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.