A nurse is assisting with teaching a class about stress. The nurse should include that which of the following is a manifestation of prolonged stress?

The correct answer is: B. Identity vs. Role Confusion.

Choice A reason:

Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt occurs in early childhood (ages 1-3). During this stage, children develop a sense of personal control over physical skills and a sense of independence. The focus is on developing autonomy, not on the social dynamics typical of adolescence.

Choice B reason:

Identity vs. Role Confusion is the stage that occurs during adolescence (ages 12-18). In this stage, teenagers explore their independence and develop a sense of self. They may rebel against caregivers and spend more time with peers as they form their identity and navigate social roles. This stage is crucial for developing a personal identity and a sense of direction in life.

Choice C reason:

Integrity vs. Despair occurs in late adulthood (ages 65 and older). This stage involves reflecting on one's life and either coming to terms with it or feeling a sense of despair over missed opportunities. It is not relevant to the experiences of an adolescent.

Choice D reason:

Trust vs. Mistrust is the first stage of Erikson's theory, occurring in infancy (birth to 18 months). This stage focuses on developing trust when caregivers provide reliability, care, and affection. A lack of this leads to mistrust. It does not pertain to the adolescent's developmental challenges.

Choice A reason : Increasing intake of saturated fats is not recommended for reducing stress. Saturated fats can contribute to the development of heart disease by raising cholesterol levels and should be limited in a healthy diet.

Choice B reason : Limiting alcohol intake is generally a good practice, but specifying "3 drinks per day" is not accurate. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men.

Choice C reason : Choosing complex carbohydrates each day is beneficial for managing stress. Complex carbohydrates can increase the amount of serotonin in the brain, which has a calming effect. Foods rich in complex carbohydrates include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes⁷.

Choice D reason : Consuming less than 2000 mg of sodium per day is part of a healthy diet, but it is not specifically related to stress reduction. The American Heart Association recommends no more than 2300 mg a day and moving toward an ideal limit of no more than 1500 mg per day for most adults.