General Adaptation Syndrome Quiz

Describes the body's response to stress
A non-specific response, applicable to all stressors regardless of their source (physiological, psychological, or social)
Consists of three stages:
- Alarm Reaction (fight or flight)
- Stage of Resistance
- Stage of Exhaustion

Adaptation to the stressor occurs, the body aims to contain the stressor to the smallest affected area
Cortisol activity remains elevated

Occurs with prolonged exposure to the stressor
Adaptation from the second stage cannot be sustained
The body rests and returns to normal, or may result in death
The outcome depends on individual factors such as adaptive energy resources, stressor severity, and external support

Learned based on family, past experiences, and cultural influences
Can be positive or negative
- Positive: Exercise and social support
- Negative: Substance abuse and denial
Examples of typical coping behaviors:
- Crying, laughing, sleeping, cursing
- Physical activity and exercise
- Smoking and drinking
- Withdrawal and lack of eye contact
- Limiting relationships to those with similar values
Effective coping leads to adaptation, ineffective coping leads to maladaptation

Physiological: Change in appetite, activity, sleep, and elimination patterns, increased pulse, respiration, and blood pressure
Safety and Security: Feeling threatened or nervous, ineffective coping, heightened attentiveness
Love and Belonging: Withdrawal and isolation, blaming others, aggressive behaviors, overdependence on others
Self-Esteem: Workaholism and attention-seeking behaviors
Self-Actualization: Refusal to accept reality, focusing on own problems, lack of control

A serious threat to physical and emotional health
As duration, intensity, or frequency of stressors increase, adaptive capacity decreases
Impacts physical status, increasing risk for disease or injury

Infection: Strict aseptic technique is essential, any breaches in technique should be immediately reported. Counting of surgical tools, sponges, and sharps helps prevent retained objects.
Fluid Volume Excess/Deficit: Anesthesiologist typically manages IV fluids, circulating nurse records and tracks total volume administered. Urine output is measured if an indwelling catheter is present.
Injury Related to Positioning: Careful positioning and monitoring help prevent blood supply interruption, nerve injury, postoperative hypotension, dependent edema, and joint injury from poor alignment.
Hypothermia: Risk factors include cold IV fluids, cool gases, exposure of body surfaces, opened incisions, and inactivity.

Inherited disorder triggered by stress and certain anesthetic agents
Rapid, uncontrollable increases in body temperature, muscle metabolism, and heat production

Fluids and Nutrition:
- IV fluids are typically administered until oral intake is possible
- The nurse monitors IV flow rates and checks for signs of fluid imbalance
- Dietary progression from clear liquids to solids depends on surgery type and individual progress
Skin Integrity/Wound Healing:
- Wound assessment includes inspection of edges, sutures/staples, signs of infection, and drainage
- Nursing management focuses on promoting wound healing
Activity:
- Encourage early ambulation to prevent complications such as atelectasis, pneumonia, gastrointestinal discomfort, and circulatory problems.
- Assist with activities of daily living and gradual ambulation within pain and fatigue limitations
- Clients with spinal anesthesia remain flat for 6-12 hours unless otherwise instructed
Respiration:
- Encourage deep breathing and coughing techniques, splinting the incision to reduce pain
- Focus on promoting gas exchange and preventing atelectasis
Respiratory Complications:
- Atelectasis: Alveolar collapse due to bronchial obstruction. Signs include diminished breath sounds, decreased chest expansion, potential cyanosis, tachypnea, tachycardia, fever, and decreased cough ability.
- Bronchitis: Cough with significant mucopurulent sputum, mild temperature increase, and pulse elevation.
- Bronchopneumonia: Inflammation of the lung in collapsed areas due to infection. Symptoms include productive cough, fever, increased pulse and respiratory rate.

Prevention: Preoperative instructions on breathing exercises and coughing, adequate hydration, lateral semi-prone positioning for airway management and drainage, suction as needed.