Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between acute and chronic stress?

Accepted Answer

Acute stress is short-term and typically resolves quickly, while chronic stress persists over a long period and can lead to disease.

Question 2

Which hormone is released from the hypothalamus during the stress response, initiating the HPA axis?

Accepted Answer

Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)

Question 3

What is the correct sequence of hormone release in the HPA axis during a stress response?

Accepted Answer

CRH → ACTH → Cortisol

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT a component of the triad of structural changes observed in chronic stress?

Accepted Answer

Hypertrophy of the pituitary gland

Question 5

According to Hans Selye’s General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS), what occurs during the exhaustion stage?

Accepted Answer

Allostatic overload leads to stress-related disorders

Question 6

Which of the following best describes allostasis?

Accepted Answer

The process by which the body maintains stability through change in response to stress

Question 7

A patient with chronic stress is found to have decreased T-cell production. Which structural change is most likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Atrophy of the thymus

Question 8

Which of the following is a physiological effect of catecholamine release during the stress response?

Accepted Answer

Increased heart rate

Question 9

Cortisol has many effects on the body. Which of the following is NOT a typical effect of elevated cortisol levels?

Accepted Answer

Increased T-cell cytotoxicity

Question 10

Which of the following best illustrates an adaptive coping response to stress?

Accepted Answer

Seeking social support

Question 11

A patient with chronic stress develops peptic ulcers. Which physiological change is most directly responsible?

Accepted Answer

Increased gastric acid secretion

Question 12

Which of the following is a direct effect of cortisol on metabolism?

Accepted Answer

Stimulates gluconeogenesis

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the role of the immune system in the stress response?

Accepted Answer

Stress decreases T-cell cytotoxicity and B-cell function

Question 14

Which hormone is released from the adrenal medulla during the stress response?

Accepted Answer

Epinephrine

Question 15

A patient with chronic stress is at increased risk for which of the following conditions due to abnormal cortisol elevations?

Accepted Answer

Obesity, hypertension, and diabetes

Question 16

Which of the following best describes allostatic overload?

Accepted Answer

Overactivation of adaptive systems leading to disease

Question 17

Which of the following is a maladaptive coping strategy in response to stress?

Accepted Answer

Increased smoking

Question 18

Which of the following is a characteristic of stress–age syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Increased catecholamines and cortisol

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why chronic stress can lead to increased risk of autoimmune diseases?

Accepted Answer

Elevated cortisol decreases innate immunity and increases autoimmune responses

Question 20

A patient is experiencing the alarm stage of the General Adaptation Syndrome. Which physiological process is most active?

Accepted Answer

Activation of the HPA axis and sympathetic nervous system

Stress and Disease: The Biological and Psychological Response

Study Guide - Practice Questions