Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

What does the psychological assessment of stress typically involve?

1. Monitoring dietary habits

2. Assessing cognitive abilities

3. Observing for affective indicators

4. Conducting physical examinations

The correct answer is: Observing for affective indicators

The psychological assessment of stress primarily focuses on observing for affective indicators, which involve evaluating emotional responses and mood states related to stress levels. This may include assessing the individual’s expressions of emotions such as anxiety, sadness, frustration, or anger. Affective indicators are crucial for understanding how stress impacts a person's mental and emotional well-being, serving as a foundation for identifying coping mechanisms, resilience factors, and areas requiring intervention. While monitoring dietary habits, assessing cognitive abilities, and conducting physical examinations can contribute useful information about a person’s overall health and well-being, these aspects are not the central focus of a psychological stress assessment. Instead, such assessments prioritize understanding emotional and psychological responses to stressors, which are vital for developing effective interventions or support strategies.