Practice Question
Which of the following assessment findings can be related to chronic stress?
Answer Choices:
Correct Answer:
Migraines and headaches
Rationale:
😰 Chronic stress is strongly associated with tension headaches and migraines, due to persistent activation of the sympathetic nervous system and muscle tension.
😰 Stress triggers release of stress hormones (e.g., cortisol, adrenaline), which can alter vascular tone and pain pathways, contributing to recurrent headaches.
😰 Clients under long-term stress often report frequent headaches as a physical manifestation of emotional strain.
😰 These headaches can interfere with sleep, concentration, and quality of life, further perpetuating the stress cycle.
😰 Therefore, migraines and headaches are classic somatic manifestations of chronic stress, making this the best answer.
Confusion
😰 Confusion is more typically linked to acute neurologic events, metabolic imbalances, infections, or medication toxicity, rather than chronic stress alone.
😰 While severe stress can affect concentration or decision-making, it does not usually cause frank disorientation or confusion.
😰 In a nursing assessment, confusion would prompt evaluation for delirium, stroke, hypoxia, or hypoglycemia.
😰 It is considered a red flag for acute brain dysfunction rather than a standard chronic stress symptom.
😰 Thus, confusion is not the best choice as a primary manifestation of chronic stress in this context.
Forgetfulness
😰 Forgetfulness can be associated with aging, depression, sleep deprivation, or early dementia, and stress can indeed contribute to mild memory lapses.
😰 However, in exam questions, chronic stress is more directly and classically linked to headaches, GI upset, muscle tension, and insomnia.
😰 Occasional forgetfulness under stress is usually subjective and less specific than physical symptoms like headaches.
😰 It requires careful differentiation from more serious cognitive disorders, such as mild cognitive impairment or dementia.
😰 Because it is less specific and not the hallmark physical complaint, forgetfulness is not the best answer compared with headaches.
Tremors
😰 Tremors are typically associated with neurologic conditions (e.g., Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor), medication side effects, or hyperthyroidism.
😰 Acute anxiety can cause temporary shaking or fine tremors, but chronic stress is more consistently linked with headaches, insomnia, or GI symptoms.
😰 Tremors suggest a possible movement disorder or systemic issue that should not be attributed solely to stress without further evaluation.
😰 In clinical reasoning, tremor prompts a more focused neurologic or endocrine workup.
😰 Therefore, tremors are not the primary or most typical finding associated with chronic stress in this scenario.
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This question is from Examplify NR304 Quiz 3 BSNOL NOV25 which contains 10 questions.
More Questions from This Exam
Which of the following is not an anticipated finding for a client that experienced a stroke?
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The nurse is assessing the client. Which findings are indicative of the need for further neurological assessment? (Select all that apply.)
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Which outcome is most appropriate for a client being discharged to a long-term care facility after a stroke?
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Which findings in this client's health history should the nurse associate with an increased risk for neurological impairment? (Select all that apply.)
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A nurse has four clients who have all had a stroke. Which of the clients should the nurse see first?
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Question Details
- Category: RN Nursing Exam(s)
- Subcategory: Examplify Exam(s)
- Domain: Health Assessment
- Answer Choices: 4