Final answer:
Acute pain is protective because it serves as a warning of tissue damage or disease, prompting individuals to prevent further injury.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question as to why acute pain is said to be protective in nature has an answer rooted in biology and health. Acute pain serves as a crucial protective mechanism, with the correct response being that it warns an individual of tissue damage or disease (option c). This warning is vital because it prompts individuals to react to prevent further injury or damage, such as withdrawing from harmful stimuli. Moreover, acute pain ensures that a person will take care of the injured area, thus facilitating the healing process. The experience of pain, although subjective, definitely serves an important biological purpose in maintaining the well-being and survival of an organism.