Which of the following is a sign of acute stress response?

• A. Emotional numbness
• B. Memory loss
• C. Rapid heartbeat during a stressful situation
• D. Prolonged sadness

Answer: (C)

The presence of a rapid heartbeat during a stressful situation is a clear indicator of the acute stress response, which is the body's immediate reaction to perceived threats or stressors. This physiological response is part of the fight-or-flight mechanism, which prepares the body to face danger. During acute stress, hormones such as adrenaline are released, leading to increased heart rate, heightened alertness, and other bodily changes that enable a quick reaction to the environment.

Emotional numbness, memory loss, and prolonged sadness are more indicative of reactions to chronic stress or trauma rather than acute stress. They do not occur as direct or immediate responses to a sudden stressor, which distinguishes them from the rapid physiological changes seen in an acute stress response.