Which of the following is a sign of a physiological response to stress?

• A. Headaches
• B. Increased appetite
• C. Decreased heart rate
• D. Loss of vision

Answer: (A)

Headaches occur because stress activates the body's fight‑or‑flight system, releasing hormones that increase muscle tension and affect blood vessels. Tense neck/ scalp muscles and vascular changes from sympathetic arousal can trigger tension-type headaches or migraines, making headaches a common physiological sign of stress.

Increased appetite isn’t a consistent physiological stress sign—stress often reduces appetite for many people, though some may eat more as a coping behavior. Decreased heart rate goes against the usual stress response, which typically raises heart rate and blood pressure. Loss of vision isn’t a normal acute stress response and would warrant medical evaluation for other causes.