Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) Practice Test 2025 - Free CEN Practice Questions and Study Guide

The correct answer, rest and digest, is associated with the parasympathetic nervous system because this system is responsible for promoting a state of calm and conservation of energy within the body. When activated, the parasympathetic nervous system facilitates digestion, lowers heart rate, and stimulates salivation and other functions that aid in the maintenance of bodily functions during restful periods.

In contrast, the fight or flight response is characteristic of the sympathetic nervous system, which prepares the body for active responses to stress or danger. Increased heart rate and vasoconstriction are also effects of the sympathetic nervous system, functioning to optimize blood flow to muscles and vital organs during times of stress. This highlights the contrasting roles of the two branches of the autonomic nervous system, with the parasympathetic system promoting relaxation and digestion while the sympathetic system gears the body up for action and immediate survival needs.