Which assessment findings may indicate that a client is having a prolonged stress response?

Frequent nightmares are a significant indicator of a prolonged stress response due to their association with heightened levels of anxiety and distress. Individuals experiencing prolonged stress often have disturbed sleep patterns, which can manifest as insomnia or frequent nightmares. These disturbances can reflect ongoing psychological stressors that the individual is unable to cope with effectively.

In the context of stress responses, nightmares can symbolize unresolved trauma or anxiety that continues to affect the individual’s mental state, making this finding particularly relevant in identifying prolonged stress. Unlike other factors that might suggest resilience or effective coping mechanisms, such as strong family relationships or consistent social activities, frequent nightmares highlight a negative impact on the individual's mental well-being, suggesting that their stress response is not being managed appropriately.