Podcast
Questions and Answers
What hormone is produced by the pituitary gland that leads to the release of cortisol?
What hormone is produced by the pituitary gland that leads to the release of cortisol?
During which stage of the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) does the body stabilize and begin to repair damage?
During which stage of the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) does the body stabilize and begin to repair damage?
What is a potential consequence of chronic activation of the stress response?
What is a potential consequence of chronic activation of the stress response?
Which of the following does NOT increase during the alarm reaction phase of GAS?
Which of the following does NOT increase during the alarm reaction phase of GAS?
Signup and view all the answers
What happens during the exhaustion stage of the General Adaptation Syndrome?
What happens during the exhaustion stage of the General Adaptation Syndrome?
Signup and view all the answers
Which type of stress is primarily related to time-limited events?
Which type of stress is primarily related to time-limited events?
Signup and view all the answers
What factor does NOT influence stress and coping mechanisms?
What factor does NOT influence stress and coping mechanisms?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a significant challenge that may cause stress for older adults?
What is a significant challenge that may cause stress for older adults?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a possible positive outcome of stress on individuals?
What is a possible positive outcome of stress on individuals?
Signup and view all the answers
How may cultural perceptions influence an individual's experience of stress?
How may cultural perceptions influence an individual's experience of stress?
Signup and view all the answers
Which nursing action can help reduce a patient's anxiety during a procedure?
Which nursing action can help reduce a patient's anxiety during a procedure?
Signup and view all the answers
Which strategy focuses on addressing the source of the stress directly?
Which strategy focuses on addressing the source of the stress directly?
Signup and view all the answers
Which physiological response is associated with acute stress?
Which physiological response is associated with acute stress?
Signup and view all the answers
What coping strategy involves creating a relaxed state through imagination?
What coping strategy involves creating a relaxed state through imagination?
Signup and view all the answers
What role does the reticular formation play in the response to stress?
What role does the reticular formation play in the response to stress?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is NOT a physical factor influencing stress?
Which of the following is NOT a physical factor influencing stress?
Signup and view all the answers
What should a nurse prioritize when caring for a patient experiencing severe anxiety?
What should a nurse prioritize when caring for a patient experiencing severe anxiety?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary concern in preparing a patient-centered, evidence-based care plan?
What is the primary concern in preparing a patient-centered, evidence-based care plan?
Signup and view all the answers
What distinguishes acute stress from chronic stress in patients?
What distinguishes acute stress from chronic stress in patients?
Signup and view all the answers
Which physiological changes occur as part of the fight-or-flight response?
Which physiological changes occur as part of the fight-or-flight response?
Signup and view all the answers
What can be an observable sign of a patient experiencing stress?
What can be an observable sign of a patient experiencing stress?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
### Stress and Coping
- Stress is a person’s general response to demands.
- Stress can lead to personal growth (eustress) or illness (distress).
- Coping strategies include:
- Problem-focused coping
- Emotion-focused coping
- Subjective and objective data can be used to identify signs of stress in patients:
- Eye contact
- Energy level
- Concentration
- Sleep disturbances
- Altered food intake
- Observed emotions
- Verbal statements
- The body’s stress response is called the fight-or-flight response, which is controlled by the sympathetic nervous system.
The Sympathetic Nervous System
- The sympathetic nervous system prepares a person for action by increasing heart rate.
- Diverts blood from the intestines and skin.
- Increases blood to the brain and striated muscles.
- Increases blood pressure, respiratory rate, and blood sugar levels.
Neurological Responses to Stress
- The medulla oblongata controls heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration.
- The reticular formation continuously monitors the body’s physiological status through sensory and motor tracts.
- The pituitary gland produces adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which leads to the release of cortisol, resulting in raised blood sugar levels and inhibited inflammation.
General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)
- The GAS is an immediate physiological response to stress that involves several body systems.
- It includes three stages:
- Alarm reaction
- Resistance stage
- Exhaustion stage
The Alarm Reaction
- The alarm reaction causes an increase in:
- Blood volume
- Blood glucose levels
- Epinephrine and norepinephrine levels
- Heart rate
- Blood flow to muscles
- Oxygen intake
- Mental alertness
The Resistance Stage
- The resistance stage stabilizes the body by returning hormone levels, heart rate, blood pressure, and cardiac output to normal.
- The body begins to repair damage.
- Chronic activation of the stress response can lead to chronic illness.
The Exhaustion Stage
- The exhaustion stage occurs when the body is no longer able to resist the effects of the stressor.
- The body is drained of energy, leading to death.
Types of Stress
- Chronic stress can lead to chronic illness.
- Acute stress can result from time-limited events and lead to acute illness.
Factors Influencing Stress and Coping
- Situational factors arise from job changes or being a caregiver.
- Maturational or Developmental factors vary with life stages.
- Sociocultural factors include environmental, social, and cultural stressors.
- Physical factors include health status, lifestyle, nutrition, and exercise.
Cultural Considerations
- Culture influences what is stressful and how people cope with stress.
- Some cultures value controlling emotions, while others encourage expressing them.
Coping with Stress: Older Adults
- Older adults may experience stress due to:
- Loss of mobility, independence, or a spouse/friends.
- Life experiences often lead to stress management techniques.
Nursing Actions to Help Patients Cope with Stress
- Safety: Nurse should stay with the patient experiencing severe anxiety.
- Nurse-patient relationship: Build a foundation of trust.
- Regular exercise
- Guided imagery and visualization
- Meditation and grounding techniques
- Healthy nutrition
- Journal writing
- Support system
Implementing Coping Strategies
- Guided imagery: Creating a relaxed state through imagination using sensory words.
- Environmental factors: Limiting noise, dimming lights, assigning the same nurses, and ensuring cleanliness.
- Communication: Explain procedures briefly using short, clear sentences to comfort the patient.
Work-Life Balance and Self-Care
- Maintain a balance between work and personal life to prevent stress.
- Practice self-care to prevent burnout.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Related Documents
Description
Explore the intricacies of stress responses and coping mechanisms in this psychology quiz. Learn about the effects of stress on personal growth and illness, and identify signs of stress in patients. Delve into the role of the sympathetic nervous system and neurological responses to stress.