Which of the following indicates Level 2 Stress Potential?

• A. Inconsistent family support
• B. Anticipated future admissions
• C. Change in behavior when healthcare staff is present
• D. The remaining length of hospital stay is increasing

Answer: (C)

Level 2 Stress Potential reflects a moderate, situational stress response that arises in the hospital setting, particularly in relation to interactions with the care team. The choice that shows a child changing behavior specifically when healthcare staff is present demonstrates this kind of immediate, environment-triggered distress. It indicates the child’s stress is tied to the clinical context and procedures, not just general worries.

In contrast, inconsistent family support is a broader psychosocial factor, anticipatory anxiety about future admissions reflects worry about what might come, and the increasing remaining hospital stay is an outcome, not a current stress response. Observing a noticeable change in behavior when staff appears is the clearest indicator of Level 2 stress in this framework.