Which of the following statements best describes paresthesia in the context of stress?

• A. Paresthesia refers to abnormal sensations such as tingling, numbness, or 'pins and needles' often experienced during periods of heightened stress.
• B. Paresthesia describes the emotional feeling of sadness or hopelessness associated with chronic stress.
• C. Paresthesia is the process of muscle tension and pain resulting from physical stress.
• D. Paresthesia is the term for rapid heartbeat and increased blood pressure caused by stress.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the term 'paresthesia' by breaking down its meaning in a psychological and physiological context. Paresthesia refers to abnormal sensations experienced in the body.
2. Step 2: Identify common examples of paresthesia, such as tingling, numbness, or the sensation often described as 'pins and needles.' These sensations are typically linked to nerve activity.
3. Step 3: Connect paresthesia to stress by recognizing that heightened stress can trigger these abnormal sensations due to physiological changes in the nervous system.
4. Step 4: Differentiate paresthesia from other stress-related symptoms such as emotional feelings (e.g., sadness or hopelessness), muscle tension and pain, or cardiovascular responses like rapid heartbeat and increased blood pressure.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the best description of paresthesia in the context of stress is the experience of abnormal sensations like tingling or numbness during periods of heightened stress.