Which term best describes the physical reaction occurring shortly after exposure to a traumatic event?

The term that best describes the physical reaction occurring shortly after exposure to a traumatic event is acute stress reaction. This response is characterized by immediate symptoms that can manifest within minutes to days following the trauma. Individuals may experience heightened anxiety, hypervigilance, intrusive memories, and a host of other physical and emotional reactions.

Acute stress reactions are considered normal responses to extreme stress and are often temporary, typically resolving within a few days to weeks. This immediate response helps the individual cope with the shock of the event and can prepare them to take necessary actions.

In contrast, chronic stress response refers to long-term stress that continues long after the initial trauma, while delayed stress response concerns reactions that emerge after a significant period following the event. The secondary stress response, on the other hand, relates to stresses that arise from the consequences of the original trauma or from supporting a victim. Thus, the acute stress reaction is the most accurate descriptor for the immediate physical and psychological effects observed right after a traumatic event.