What emotional and behavioral responses can occur due to surgery or acute infection?

• A. Euphoria, constant energy, and improved mood.
• B. Indifference and lack of response.
• C. Hostility, fear, anxiety, and altered sleep patterns.
• D. Overeating and high energy levels.

Answer: (C)

The key idea is that surgery or an acute infection often triggers a stress response that affects mood and behavior. Pain, fatigue, and disruption of sleep can heighten anxiety and fear, and frustrations with recovery can lead to irritability or hostility. Sleep patterns commonly change—many people have difficulty sleeping, wake frequently, or feel restless. In some cases, especially in older adults or those exposed to meds or fever, this can progress into delirium with confusion or withdrawal, reinforcing agitation or fear. So the combination of hostile or anxious feelings with disrupted sleep best captures how emotional and behavioral responses tend to present in these situations.

The other patterns aren’t typical of the usual postoperative or acute illness response. Euphoria and constant energy aren’t expected outcomes after surgery or infection. Indifference and lack of response can occur in certain conditions but don’t describe the common emotional and sleep-related changes seen with acute illness. Overeating and high energy levels aren’t characteristic of the typical stress and discomfort that accompany recovery.