Question

"Kirby and Marsha are college students. Kirby is always complaining about her class load and says she feels constantly fatigued. Although Marsha has a heavier class load and works part-time, Marsha rarely complains and does not appear as fatigued as Kirby. Which of the following statements is most likely TRUE?"

a. Kirby is making up her fatigue and is only experience eustress.

b.Kirby will experience more stress than Marsha because of her perceived lack of control.

c. Neither Marsha nor Kirby are really showing signs of stress.

d. Marsha is really more stressed than Kirby but is hiding it.

Answer 1

Although Marsha appears less stressed or fatigued than Kirby, her symptoms suggest a possible medical condition and the need for a professional health evaluation, rather than just higher stress resilience.

Step-by-step explanation:

Given the scenario presented, while it appears that Marsha has a heavier class load and part-time work yet exhibits less fatigue than Kirby, it is most likely that Marsha's stress levels are not necessarily lower. Marsha's feelings of fatigue, combined with symptoms like occasional coughing, night sweats, loss of appetite, and a low-grade fever hint at underlying health issues rather than just stress from workload. Clinical aspects should be considered as they may point to potential medical conditions, such as infection or other illnesses.

In this context, Marsha's symptoms suggest that she may be experiencing more than just stress or hidden distress; they warrant a medical evaluation. The presence of symptoms following her return from Nigeria, where she interned and had exposure to a healthcare setting, raises the suspicion for infectious diseases like tuberculosis, which is known to cause such manifestations. The correlation of her symptoms with a potential diagnosis is crucial here.

Comparing the situations of Kirby and Marsha solely on the basis of observable stress may overlook the complex interplay of psychological, social, and biological factors that contribute to an individual’s overall wellbeing.