A nurse is assisting with teaching a class about sources of stress. The nurse should include that which of the following is an example of a physiological stressor?

Choice A reason : Change in marital status.A change in marital status is considered a social stressor rather than a physiological one. It relates to the personal and emotional aspects of one's life, impacting mental and emotional well-being rather than directly causing a physiological response.

Choice B reason : Financial difficulties.Financial difficulties are categorized as social stressors. They can lead to significant stress but do not directly cause a physiological response. Instead, they can indirectly affect health over time through sustained stress.

Choice C reason : Academic pressure.Academic pressure is a psychological stressor. It involves cognitive and emotional challenges that can lead to stress but is not a direct physiological stressor.

Choice D reason : Burn injury.A burn injury is a physiological stressor. It causes an immediate physical response in the body, triggering pain receptors, inflammatory responses, and the need for physical healing processes.

Choice A reason : Rationalization is a defense mechanism where an individual justifies behaviors or feelings with plausible but inaccurate explanations to avoid confronting the true underlying motives or facts. In this scenario, the client is rationalizing their failure to take medication by blaming their partner's forgetfulness, rather than accepting personal responsibility for their health management.

Choice B reason : Projection involves attributing one's own unacceptable thoughts, feelings, or motives to another person. If the client had accused their partner of being irresponsible with medication as a reflection of their own behavior, it would be an example of projection. However, in this case, the client is not projecting their own forgetfulness onto their partner but rather shifting the blame.

Choice C reason : Repression is an unconscious mechanism employed by the ego to keep disturbing or threatening thoughts from becoming conscious. It involves pushing uncomfortable thoughts or memories into the unconscious mind. The client's statement does not suggest they are unconsciously forgetting to take their medication; instead, they are consciously aware of their action and providing a justification for it.

Choice D reason : Regression is a return to earlier stages of development and abandoned forms of gratification belonging to them, prompted by dangers or conflicts arising at one of the later stages. A client demonstrating regression might exhibit childlike behaviors when faced with stress. The client's statement does not indicate a regression to more infantile behaviors or coping mechanisms.