What finding will the nurse attribute to the effect of meditation?

Meditation is widely recognized for its calming effects on the mind and body. One of the key physiological outcomes associated with meditation practice is lowered oxygen consumption. This occurs because meditation promotes a state of relaxation, which in turn helps to reduce the body's overall metabolic rate and energy expenditure. As individuals enter a meditative state, their breathing often becomes slower and more profound, leading to a decrease in the amount of oxygen the body requires for basic functions. This reduction signifies an efficient use of energy and is a marker of the relaxation response that is characteristic of meditation.

In contrast, increased heart rate and heightened anxiety levels are generally associated with stress responses, not relaxation, therefore they do not align with the effects typically produced by meditation. Additionally, difficulty in concentration can be a challenge for those new to meditation, but ultimately, meditation is aimed at improving focus and mental clarity over time, which makes it an unlikely outcome to attribute to the practice. Thus, lowered oxygen consumption stands out as a direct, physiological effect of meditation.