A nurse is assisting with teaching a class about vulnerable populations that are at risk for health disparities. The nurse should include that a client who lives in a crowded apartment building is at risk for which of the following conditions?

Choice A reason : Identity refers to how individuals perceive themselves, including their beliefs, qualities, and expressions. It is the understanding of oneself as a distinct individual. In the context of the client's situation, while stress can impact one's sense of identity, the primary issue described does not directly relate to the client's identity but rather to their ability to fulfill expected roles.

Choice B reason : Role performance stressors arise when individuals feel they cannot meet the expectations associated with their social or work roles. In this case, the client is stressed due to the difficulty in balancing work responsibilities with the demands of caring for an ill family member. This indicates a conflict in role performance, as the client struggles to adequately fulfill the roles of both employee and caregiver.

Choice C reason : Body image pertains to one's perception of the physical self and the feelings associated with this perception. It includes how individuals view their own body and how they believe others perceive it. The client's stress does not stem from concerns about body image but from the pressures of their responsibilities.

Choice D reason : Self-esteem is the value one places on oneself, encompassing feelings of worthiness or unworthiness. It is influenced by various factors, including personal achievements and recognition from others. Although self-esteem can be affected by stress, the scenario provided specifically highlights the client's stress related to role fulfillment, not their self-worth.

Choice A reason : Prolonged stress can lead to impaired immune function. When a person is stressed, the body's stress response can suppress the immune system, making it less effective at fighting off infections. This is because stress hormones like cortisol can inhibit the production and function of white blood cells, such as lymphocytes, which are crucial for the immune response. Additionally, chronic stress can lead to inflammation and reduce the body's ability to respond to immunological challenges, increasing the risk of illness and infection.

Choice B reason : Decreased blood pressure is not typically a manifestation of prolonged stress. In fact, stress can lead to increased blood pressure due to the release of stress hormones that cause vasoconstriction and an increase in heart rate. Over time, this can contribute to hypertension and cardiovascular problems.

Choice C reason : Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is not a direct manifestation of prolonged stress. However, stress can affect blood sugar levels. For individuals with diabetes, stress can make it harder to control blood sugar as stress hormones can cause blood sugar levels to rise. In non-diabetic individuals, stress typically does not cause hypoglycemia.

Choice D reason : Anemia, a condition characterized by a lack of healthy red blood cells, is not a direct result of prolonged stress. Anemia can be caused by a variety of factors, including nutritional deficiencies, chronic diseases, or genetic conditions, but it is not commonly linked to stress.