Which of the following factors can impede decision making during a stressful incident?

• A. Adequate rest and preparation
• B. Clear and calm communication
• C. High levels of anxiety
• D. Access to accurate information

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the context of decision making under stress. Stressful incidents often trigger emotional and physiological responses that can affect cognitive functions.
2. Step 2: Identify factors that typically support effective decision making, such as adequate rest and preparation, clear and calm communication, and access to accurate information. These factors help maintain cognitive clarity.
3. Step 3: Recognize that high levels of anxiety can impair cognitive processes like attention, memory, and reasoning, which are crucial for making sound decisions.
4. Step 4: Compare each option to determine which one negatively impacts decision making. While rest, communication, and information access aid decision making, high anxiety disrupts it.
5. Step 5: Conclude that among the given options, high levels of anxiety is the factor that can impede decision making during a stressful incident.