Caring Assignment Updated - Impact of Stress on Health

Delivery Impact of Stress on Health, Disease and Illness, Care of Patient During Stress Ms. Lois Stephanas Date: October 10, 2024 Group Members: Natasha Bovell Fiona Phillips Shannon Haynes Kissandra Boodie-Solomon  Objectives  To define...

Delivery Impact of Stress on Health, Disease and Illness, Care of Patient During Stress Ms. Lois Stephanas Date: October 10, 2024 Group Members: Natasha Bovell Fiona Phillips Shannon Haynes Kissandra Boodie-Solomon  Objectives  To define stress  To present the types of Stress  Examine the causes of Stress  Describing the effects of stress on the body  To explore the strategies of managing Stress  Examine the tool for assessing stress  Practical scenario on stress  Introduction  Stress is a natural response of the body when faced with challenging situations. It can stem from a number of sources resulting in the body initiating it’s flight or fright response.  Stress in certain amounts can be beneficial allowing for the body’s adaptive mechanism to be enacted.  Chronic stress however is linked to various health issues and a number of health disorders including: mental health, cardiovascular, immune function and gastrointestinal. Definition of Terms  Stress: - can be defined as a state of worry or mental tension caused by a difficult situation. Stress is a natural human response that prompts us to address challenges and threats in our lives (World health, 2023).  Illness is a condition in which the body or mind is harmed because an organ or part is unable to work as it usually does; a disease or sickness.  Health: The World Health Organization (W.H.O.) offers a simple definition of health as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”.  Patient: a person receiving or registered to receive medical treatment.  Disease: An abnormal condition that affects the structure or  Classification of the Types of Stress  Acute stress: Acute stress is short-term stress that comes and goes quickly. It can be positive or negative. It’s the feeling you get when you’re riding on a rollercoaster or having a fight with your boyfriend. Everyone experiences acute stress from time to time.  Episodic acute stress: Episodic acute stress is when you experience acute stress on a regular basis. With this kind of stress, you don’t ever get the time you need to return to a calm, relaxed state. Episodic stress frequently affects people working in certain professions, like healthcare providers.  Chronic stress: Chronic stress is long-term stress that goes on for weeks or months. You may experience chronic stress due to marriage troubles, issues at work or financial problems. It’s important to find ways to manage chronic stress because it can lead to health issues. Cause of Stress  Work-Related Stress: Work is a significant source of stress for many people. Common triggers include: Job dissatisfaction: Feeling unhappy in one’s role can lead to chronic stress. Heavy workload: Excessive responsibilities or long hours contribute to feelings of being overwhelmed. Poor management: Lack of support, unclear expectations, or feeling undervalued can heighten stress levels. Job insecurity: Concerns about job loss or lack of advancement opportunities increase anxiety. Cause of Stress  Life Events Major life changes, whether positive or negative, can be stressful. Examples include: Loss of a loved one: Grief from bereavement is a profound source of stress. Divorce or relationship issues: These can create significant emotional turmoil. Financial problems: Increased financial obligations or job loss can lead to chronic stress. Health issues: Chronic illness or injury not only affects physical health but also mental well-being.  Cause of Stress  Environmental Factors Stressors in the environment can also trigger stress responses: Noise and overcrowding: Living in a chaotic environment can lead to heightened stress levels. Traumatic events: Experiences such as natural disasters or violence can result in acute stress reactions.  Psychological Factors Internal perceptions and attitudes significantly influence how individuals experience stress: Fear and uncertainty: Constant exposure to negative news about global threats can create ongoing anxiety. Unrealistic expectations: Setting unattainable goals can lead to feelings of inadequacy and stress.  Effects of Stress on Health Body Mood Behaviour Headache Anxiety Overeating or undereating Muscle tension or pain Restlessness Angry outbursts Chest pain Lack of motivation or Drug or alcohol misuse focus Fatigue Memory problems Tobacco use Change in sex drive Feeling overwhelmed Avoiding friends and staying at home Stomach upset Grumpiness or anger Exercising less often Sleep problems Sadness or depression Getting sick easier due to a weaker immune system Effects of Stress on Health https:// video.search.yahoo.com/search/video?fr=mcafee&p=video+on+how+st ress+affects+health&type=E210US1289G0#action=view&id=6&vid=85 d0c73176773d39f86d8339dd24984c The Body’s Response to Stress  The General Adaptation Syndrome by Han Selye: This Model describes the body’s physiological response tom stress Described by Selye a Hungarian endocrinologist.  Identifies three- stage process the body undergoes when faced with stressors.  These stages includes the alarm, resistance and exhaustion  Alarm reaction: fight-or-flight response involves release of adrenaline and cortisol resulting in increased heart rate, elevated BP, heightened blood sugar, enhanced energy.  Resistance: the body attempts to adapt, lower stress hormones are produced and Is characterized by normalizing HR & BP, vigilance and alertness, difficulty concentrating.  Exhaustion: at this stage the body’s ability to respond to stress is  Methods of Managing Stress Deep Breathing: To help trigger your body's relaxation response and reduce tension, practice taking calm, deep breaths. Being mindful Meditation: Let your thoughts flow freely for a few minutes while concentrating on your breathing or a mantra. Exercise: Engaging in physical activity, even a little stroll, helps lower stress chemicals like cortisol and release endorphins.  Strategies to Manage Stress Time management: To lessen the stress of everyday obligations, arrange chores and establish reasonable goals. Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR): This technique helps ease physical tension by gradually tensing and relaxing each muscle group in the body. Positive Visualization: To lower tension and increase attention, picture a serene setting or picture yourself succeeding in a specific circumstance. Writing in a journal can help you make sense of your thoughts and Strategies to Manage Stress  Physical Activity Exercise Regularly: Engaging in regular physical activity, such as brisk walking, jogging, or swimming, can significantly reduce stress levels by releasing endorphins, which improve mood and promote relaxation. Yoga and Tai Chi: These practices combine physical movement with mindfulness and deep breathing, helping to lower anxiety and stress.  Healthy Lifestyle Choices Balanced Diet: Eating a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins supports overall health and can improve mood. Adequate Sleep: Prioritizing restful sleep is essential for managing stress. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to help your body recover from How to Assess Stress Stress assessment refers to the systematic evaluation of an individual's stress levels, sources, and impacts on health and well-being. Measurement tools: Perceived Stress Scale (PSS): A self-report questionnaire is used to help individuals assess their perceived levels of stress over the past month. It includes questions about feelings of control, nervousness, and the ability to cope with challenges. Scores range from 0 to 40, with higher scores indicating greater perceived stress levels. Stress Risk Assessment: is conducted in workplace settings, this assessment identifies potential sources of stress (e.g., How to Assess Stress  Identification of Stressors Assessments typically involve identifying specific stressors that contribute to an individual's overall stress level. These can include:  Environmental Factors: Noise, overcrowding, or unsafe working conditions.  Social Factors: Relationship issues, lack of support, or workplace dynamics.  Personal Factors: Financial concerns, health issues, or life transitions.  Evaluation of Coping Mechanisms  Adaptive Coping Strategies: Healthy methods such as exercise, talking to friends, or engaging in hobbies.  Maladaptive Coping Strategies: Unhealthy methods like substance abuse or avoidance behaviors. How to Assess Stress  Physiological Measures In some cases, physiological responses to stress may be measured through: Biomarkers: Levels of cortisol (a stress hormone) can be assessed through blood or saliva tests. Heart Rate Variability: This measures autonomic nervous system responses to stress. Scenario Mr. Johnson is a 65-year-old patient admitted to the hospital for surgery. He has a history of hypertension and is anxious about the procedure. On the day of the surgery, the nursing staff notices he is restless, has increased blood pressure readings, and expresses concern about the surgery outcomes.  Emotional Support: Active Listening: Sit down with Mr. Johnson, maintain eye contact, and encourage him to share his fears and concerns without interruption. Reflect back what he says to show understanding and empathy. Validation: Acknowledge his feelings by saying things like, “It’s completely normal to feel anxious about surgery. Many patients feel the same way.”  Patient Education: Surgical Overview: Provide a clear, step-by-step explanation of the surgery, including the purpose, the expected duration, and the recovery process. Use simple language and avoid medical jargon. Discuss Risks and Benefits: Help him understand potential risks and benefits in a balanced way, reassuring him that the surgical team is highly trained and focused on patient safety. Scenario  Relaxation Techniques:  Deep-Breathing Exercises: Teach him to practice deep breathing, and encourage him to do this for a few minutes several times a day, especially when he feels anxious.  Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Guide him through this technique, where he systematically tenses and relaxes different muscle groups, helping him become more aware of physical tension and promoting relaxation.  Mindfulness and Visualization: Encourage him to visualize a peaceful scenario or a successful surgery outcome. Provide guided imagery scripts or apps he can use before surgery.  Involving Family:  Family Support: Encourage Mr. Johnson to have a family member or close friend with him before the surgery. This can provide emotional comfort and reassurance.  Family Education: Offer to explain Lifestyle Modifications:  Encourage Healthy Habits: Discuss the importance of nutrition, hydration, and sleep in the days leading up to the surgery. Suggest light, nutritious meals to maintain energy.  Limit Stimulants: Advise Mr. Johnson to reduce caffeine and nicotine intake, as these can increase anxiety and affect blood pressure.  the surgical process to the family as well, so they can support him effectively. Scenario  Utilize Hospital Resources:  Consult with a Social Worker or Counselor: If Mr. Johnson’s anxiety seems severe, refer him to a mental health professional for additional support and coping strategies.  Explore Relaxation Programs: Check if the hospital offers any relaxation or stress-reduction programs, such as yoga or meditation sessions, that he can participate in before surgery.  Follow-Up Care:  Regular Check-Ins: Schedule frequent assessments of Mr. Johnson’s anxiety levels and overall well-being. This could involve informal chats during nursing rounds to gauge his feelings.  Post-Operative Support: After surgery, continue to check in on his emotional state, as anxiety may persist during recovery. Provide resources for ongoing mental health support if needed. Conclusion  Stress is a natural reaction of the body to life’s challenges it can be acute, chronic or episodic.  Stress takes a toll on an individuals health affecting the physical, emotional and behavioral components of their health and well being  Unmanaged stress can result in a number of diseases and further compounds existing diseases.  Understanding how to effectively manage stress would aid in providing comprehensive health care to our patients.  Using Watson’s theory we can guide our patients through stressful situations resulting in the References American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Stress effects on health. https://www.apa.org/topic/stress/health How stress affects your body and behavior. (n.d.). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy- lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress- symptoms/art-20050987 How stress affects your health. (2022, October 31). American Psychological Association. Retrieved October 31, 2023, from https:// www.apa.org/topics/stress/health MALIK, N. (2021, October 12). Stress management |Types of stress | PPT. SlideShare. Retrieved October 31, 2023, from https://www.slideshare.net/nehamalik69/stress-management-types-of-stress Ragland, L. (2023, September 12). Stress Management: Ways to Prevent and Relieve Stress. WebMD. Retrieved October 30, 2023, from https:// www.webmd.com/balance/stress-management/stress-management Sarwar, A. (2023, May 7). Nursing Care Plan For Stress. Made For Medical. Retrieved October 30, 2023, from https:// www.madeformedical.com/nursing-care-plan-for-stress/ References Scott, E. (2022, May 23). What Causes Stress? Verywell Mind. Retrieved October 31, 2023, from https://www.verywellmind.com/what-are- the-main-causes-of-stress-3145063Stress and the Brain. (2020, July 29). Let's Talk Science. Retrieved October 31, 2023, from https:// letstalkscience.ca/educational-resources/backgrounders/stress-and-brain Ward, R. N., Brady, A. J., Jazdzewski, R., & Yalch, M. M. (2021). Stress, resilience, and coping. ResearchGate. https:// www.researchgate.net/publication/352106480_Stress_Resilience_and_Coping Worthen, M., & Cash, E. (2023, August 14). Stress management. StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513300/