Level 3 Stress Potential is illustrated by which example?

• A. EX: ear infection or elective surgery
• B. EX: cystic fibrosis
• C. EX: admittance for asthma and dad joking about Manuel being scared
• D. EX: leukemia patient/unstable parents

Answer: (B)

Level 3 Stress Potential captures ongoing, moderate-to-high stress that comes from a chronic or complex medical situation, where the child and family face repeated hospital care, frequent procedures, and the need to continually adapt routines and coping over time. Cystic fibrosis fits this because it’s a chronic, progressive disease that typically involves regular treatments, multiple hospitalizations, respiratory therapies, and possible exacerbations. This creates a sustained stress context for both the child and family, not just a one-time event. The other scenarios tend to reflect shorter, more predictable experiences or acute crises that don’t demonstrate the same ongoing, cumulative stress level.