A client who experienced a traumatic event presents with physical symptoms such as headaches and chronic pain. These symptoms can be attributed to which clinical manifestation of PTSD?

Physical signs.

Choice A rationale:

Psychological signs involve cognitive and mental aspects of PTSD, such as flashbacks and intrusive thoughts.

Choice B rationale:

Emotional signs encompass mood-related manifestations like fear, anger, and guilt.

Choice D rationale:

Social signs refer to difficulties in interpersonal relationships and isolation. In contrast, Choice C, physical signs, include symptoms like headaches and chronic pain which are commonly associated with PTSD due to the physiological stress response triggered by the traumatic event. This response can lead to increased muscle tension and altered pain perception, resulting in these physical symptoms. Such somatic complaints are integral to the diagnosis of PTSD, and they often coexist with other psychological and emotional symptoms.

Choice A rationale:

Gastrointestinal problems, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, can be physical signs of acute stress disorder. The stress response can impact the gastrointestinal system due to the activation of the "fight or flight" response.

Choice B rationale:

Cardiovascular problems, such as increased heart rate and blood pressure, are also common physical signs of acute stress disorder. The body's physiological response to stress can lead to cardiovascular changes.

Choice C rationale:

Chronic pain is not typically considered a primary physical sign of acute stress disorder. While stress can exacerbate existing pain conditions, it is not among the hallmark physical symptoms of this disorder.

Choice D rationale:

Substance use disorder might develop as a maladaptive coping mechanism in response to stress, but it is not a direct physical sign that a nurse would observe upon assessment.

Choice E rationale:

Eating disorders are not typically considered a primary physical sign of acute stress disorder. While stress can affect eating habits, it is not one of the characteristic physical symptoms associated with this disorder.