During times of severe stress, what may occur in individuals with sickle cell trait?

Individuals with sickle cell trait usually do not demonstrate symptoms of sickle cell disease under normal circumstances, but during periods of extreme physical or emotional stress, they may experience complications. This could include symptoms such as pain or other issues, although these occurrences are less severe and less predictable compared to those faced by individuals with sickle cell disease.

When under stress, the oxygen levels in the body can drop, which may lead to some sickling of red blood cells in those with sickle cell trait. This does not usually escalate to the level of severe pain or require emergency treatment as seen in sickle cell disease, but some individuals can still exhibit mild symptoms. Therefore, it is important to recognize that while many may remain asymptomatic, a subset may show symptoms when faced with considerable stress. This nuance makes the option of "some may exhibit symptoms" the correct choice, as it accurately reflects the variability of responses among those with sickle cell trait during stressful situations.