Which of the following is a sign commonly associated with anxiety that would be expected to appear in an anxious patient?

Which of the following is a sign commonly associated with anxiety that would be expected to appear in an anxious patient?

• A. Tachycardia
• B. Calm breathing
• C. Low blood pressure
• D. No sweating

Answer: (A)

Anxiety triggers the body's fight-or-flight response, which ramps up the sympathetic nervous system. This surge releases adrenaline and related chemicals that increase heart rate to prepare the body for action. That rise in heart rate, known as tachycardia, is a classic sign of anxiety because it reflects this heightened arousal. Think of other options in terms of what they imply: calm breathing would suggest relaxation rather than anxiety, and low blood pressure isn’t typically associated with acute anxiety in the moment of arousal. Sweating is common with anxiety, so the idea of “no sweating” wouldn’t fit as well. The rapid heart rate best captures the immediate physiological response you’d expect in an anxious patient.

Anxiety triggers the body's fight-or-flight response, which ramps up the sympathetic nervous system. This surge releases adrenaline and related chemicals that increase heart rate to prepare the body for action. That rise in heart rate, known as tachycardia, is a classic sign of anxiety because it reflects this heightened arousal.

Think of other options in terms of what they imply: calm breathing would suggest relaxation rather than anxiety, and low blood pressure isn’t typically associated with acute anxiety in the moment of arousal. Sweating is common with anxiety, so the idea of “no sweating” wouldn’t fit as well. The rapid heart rate best captures the immediate physiological response you’d expect in an anxious patient.