Question

A nurse is discussing acute vs prolonged stress with a client. Which of the following effects should the nurse identify as an acute stress response? (Select all that apply)

A. Chronic pain
B. Depressed immune system
C. Increased blood pressure
D. Panic attacks
E. Unhappiness

Answer 1

Acute stress responses include increased blood pressure and panic attacks, which are part of the body's fight-or-flight reaction and not typically associated with chronic effects such as chronic pain or a depressed immune system.

Step-by-step explanation:

When discussing acute vs prolonged stress response with a client, a nurse should identify the following effects as acute stress responses:

• Increased blood pressure
• Panic attacks

These responses are part of the body's immediate reaction to a perceived threat or challenge, which is often referred to as the "fight-or-flight" response. This reaction is typically short-lived and is meant to prepare the body for a quick response to the stressor.

In contrast, chronic pain and a depressed immune system are usually associated with prolonged or chronic stress, which can lead to negative health outcomes over time. Unhappiness, while it may be associated with both acute and chronic stress, is not a specific physiological response to acute stress.