Which of the following is an indicator of effective stress management in nursing outcomes?

• A. Decreased anxiety
• B. Increased fatigue
• C. Unchanged appetite
• D. Unstable vital signs

Answer: (A)

Reducing anxiety signals that stress management approaches are working. When a patient experiences lower anxiety, it shows they are better able to cope with stress, engage in care, sleep more effectively, and participate in daily activities—all of which are key outcomes nurses monitor to gauge the effectiveness of stress-management interventions. In contrast, increased fatigue suggests ongoing strain or insufficient rest, unchanged appetite offers no clear proof of coping success and can be influenced by many factors, and unstable vital signs indicate the body is still experiencing a high stress response rather than achieving stability. So, a decrease in anxiety best reflects successful stress management.