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?

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.

Choice A reason : Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition where a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the legs. While certain factors like immobility, surgery, and certain medications can increase the risk of DVT, living in a crowded apartment building is not typically associated with an increased risk of developing this condition.

Choice B reason : Crowded living conditions can increase the risk of the spread of infectious diseases. This is due to the close proximity of individuals, which facilitates the transmission of pathogens through respiratory droplets, shared surfaces, and common areas. Diseases such as respiratory infections, meningococcal disease, rheumatic fever, and tuberculosis are particularly associated with crowded living conditions.

Choice C reason : Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder characterized by chronic inflammation of the joints. It is not directly linked to living conditions but can be influenced by genetic factors and possibly environmental triggers. However, there is no established connection between crowded living conditions and the development of rheumatoid arthritis.

Choice D reason : While weight gain can be influenced by a variety of factors including diet, exercise, and genetics, there is no direct correlation between living in a crowded apartment and weight gain. However, it's worth noting that socioeconomic factors and limited access to healthy food options or safe areas for physical activity, which can be associated with crowded living conditions, may indirectly contribute to weight gain.