Which physiological action increases stress-related cortisol release in a client?

The physiological action that increases stress-related cortisol release in a client is the release of epinephrine and norepinephrine. These hormones are part of the body's acute stress response, often referred to as the "fight or flight" response. When an individual experiences stress, the sympathetic nervous system activates, leading to the release of these catecholamines from the adrenal medulla.

Epinephrine and norepinephrine contribute to the body's preparation for a stressful situation by increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and energy availability. This hormonal cascade also stimulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, leading to an increase in the production of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) from the pituitary gland. ACTH, in turn, prompts the adrenal cortex to release cortisol, the primary stress hormone, which helps to modulate various processes in the body in response to stress.

This intricate interplay ensures that the body can manage stress effectively and respond to potential threats. Therefore, the release of epinephrine and norepinephrine is crucial to increasing cortisol levels during stress, making it the correct response in this context.