A nurse is observing a client whose vital signs have reverted to baseline despite ongoing stress. Which phase of the stress response is the client most likely experiencing?

Choice A reason: The exhaustion stage occurs after prolonged stress when the body’s adaptive mechanisms are depleted. At this point, vital signs often deteriorate rather than stabilize, and the client may experience fatigue, illness, or collapse. This does not match the scenario of vital signs returning to baseline. Choice B reason: The recovery stage occurs after the stressor has been removed, allowing the body to return to homeostasis. In this case, the stressor is ongoing, so recovery is not the correct stage. Choice C reason: The resistance stage is characterized by the body’s adaptation to ongoing stress. During this phase, vital signs may return to baseline despite continued exposure to stressors because the body is actively maintaining equilibrium through sustained hormonal and physiological adjustments. This matches the scenario described. Choice D reason: The alarm stage involves the initial fight-or-flight response, with elevated heart rate, blood pressure, and heightened alertness. Vital signs do not return to baseline in this stage, making it inconsistent with the scenario.