Certified Healthcare Safety Professional (CHSP) Practice Exam

What is a potential trigger for Raynaud's syndrome?

1. Heavy lifting

2. Exposure to heat

3. Cold temperatures and stress

4. Vigorous exercise

The correct answer is: Cold temperatures and stress

Raynaud's syndrome is characterized by episodes of reduced blood flow to the fingers, toes, and sometimes other areas of the body, typically triggered by cold temperatures or emotional stress. In individuals with this condition, exposure to cold can cause the blood vessels to constrict excessively, leading to symptoms such as color changes in the skin, numbness, and pain. Stress is also a known trigger as it can induce a physiological response that leads to vasospasm, exacerbating the symptoms of Raynaud's. While heavy lifting, exposure to heat, and vigorous exercise might affect the body in various ways, they are not typically associated with triggering Raynaud's syndrome. Heavy lifting and vigorous exercise can increase blood flow and body temperature, which is the opposite of what would provoke a Raynaud's episode. Heat generally acts as a vasodilator, promoting increased blood flow, thus making it less likely to trigger the symptoms associated with Raynaud's syndrome. Therefore, the combination of cold temperatures and stress accurately identifies the primary factors that can lead to an episode in affected individuals.