Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

What is one of the first signs of a stress response in a client?

1. Increased strength

2. Improved focus

3. Heightened awareness

4. Physical discomfort

The correct answer is: Physical discomfort

The identification of physical discomfort as one of the first signs of a stress response is rooted in the body's physiological reactions to stressors. When an individual perceives a threat or feels overwhelmed, the body activates the stress response system, often referred to as the fight-or-flight response. This response is characterized by the release of stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol, which prepare the body to confront or escape the threat. These hormonal changes can lead to a range of physical symptoms, including muscle tension, headaches, stomach aches, and other forms of discomfort. Such physical manifestations can serve as early indicators that an individual is experiencing stress, reflecting the direct impact of psychological stress on physical well-being. In contrast, options like increased strength, improved focus, and heightened awareness might occur as secondary responses or adaptations to stress rather than immediate signs. While heightened awareness may occur as the body prepares to respond to a stressor, it is often not an indicator of the stress response itself. Similarly, increased strength or improved focus might be perceived as positive adaptations rather than initial symptoms of stress. Hence, physical discomfort distinctly stands out as a primary and immediate sign of the stress response in clients.