<prompt> Massage of the carotid sinus results in all of the following, EXCEPT:Increased pressure at the carotid sinus baroreceptorsDecreased firing rate of the carotid sinus fibersDecreased firing rate of cardiac sympathetic fibersIncreased firing rate of the vagus nerve  <response>: Increased baroreceptor pressure causes an increase in the firing rate of the carotid sinus nerve afferent that inhibits the medullary vasomotor center. Consequently, both a decrease in sympathetic tone and an increases in vagal discharge efferent contribute to the fall in hea rate and aerial blood pressure following carotid sinus massage. When performing this maneuver on your patients or peers, be prepared for cardiac sinus arrest and avoid vigorous massage, which might dislodge an embolus and cause permanent neurological damage. Ref: Essential Cardiology: Principles and Practice, 3rd Ed, page 336-337 