Final answer:
The mother is experiencing anxiety due to the acute stress of her son's critical condition. The symptoms she shows align with panic and anxiety, which can be triggered by emotional trauma and activate the body's fight-or-flight response.
Step-by-step explanation:
The mother in the emergency room scenario is likely experiencing D: anxiety. The symptoms of trembling, shortness of breath, and the inability to speak coherently are indicative of an acute anxiety response. This reaction can be triggered by extreme stress or fear, like the shock of learning that her son is unconscious and unstable. In situations of high emotional stress, such as witnessing a loved one in danger or pain, the body's fight-or-flight response can be activated, releasing adrenaline and other hormones that can result in symptoms like those the mother is exhibiting. It's crucial that the mother receives immediate attention from medical staff to manage these symptoms and provide emotional support.