What is stress?Stress is a normal human reaction that happens to everyone. In fact, the human body is designed to experience stress and react to it. When you experience changes or challenges (stressors), your body produces physical and mental responses. That’s stress. Show
Stress responses help your body adjust to new situations. Stress can be positive, keeping us alert, motivated and ready to avoid danger. For example, if you have an important test coming up, a stress response might help your body work harder and stay awake longer. But stress becomes a problem when stressors continue without relief or periods of relaxation. What happens to the body during stress?The body’s autonomic nervous system controls your heart rate, breathing, vision changes and more. Its built-in stress response, the “fight-or-flight response,” helps the body face stressful situations. When a person has long-term (chronic) stress, continued activation of the stress response causes wear and tear on the body. Physical, emotional and behavioral symptoms develop. Physical symptoms of stress include:
Stress can lead to emotional and mental symptoms like:
Often, people with chronic stress try to manage it with unhealthy behaviors, including:
How is stress diagnosed?Stress is subjective — not measurable with tests. Only the person experiencing it can determine whether it's present and how severe it feels. A healthcare provider may use questionnaires to understand your stress and how it affects your life. If you have chronic stress, your healthcare provider can evaluate symptoms that result from stress. For example, high blood pressure can be diagnosed and treated. What are some strategies for stress relief?You can’t avoid stress, but you can stop it from becoming overwhelming by practicing some daily strategies:
What are some ways to prevent stress?Many daily strategies can help you keep stress at bay:
How long does stress last?Stress can be a short-term issue or a long-term problem, depending on what changes in your life. Regularly using stress management techniques can help you avoid most physical, emotional and behavioral symptoms of stress. When should I talk to a doctor about stress?You should seek medical attention if you feel overwhelmed, if you are using drugs or alcohol to cope, or if you have thoughts about hurting yourself. Your primary care provider can help by offering advice, prescribing medicine or referring you to a therapist. A note from Cleveland Clinic It’s natural and normal to be stressed sometimes. But long-term stress can cause physical symptoms, emotional symptoms and unhealthy behaviors. Try relieving and managing stress using a few simple strategies. But if you feel overwhelmed, talk to your doctor. The first stage of the general adaptation syndrome (GAS) can be characterized by which response? Eustress Fight or flight The initial adaptive response of the general adaptation syndrome prepares the individual to fight or flee in the face of acute stress. None of the other options are associated with the initial stage of GAS Which assessment monitors the effect of stress attributed to the stimulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal cortex? Heart Rate Blood glucose levels An increase in gluconeogenesis, stimulated by the release of cortisol, ensures that increased amounts of glucose are available to the individual. Increased glucose levels heighten and maintain energy levels to meet the demands of a crisis or stressor. None of the other options are as directly associated with the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal cortex. Stress can be attributed to stimulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal cortex. Which assessment finding would confirm the long-term effects of such stress? select all that apply Insulin resistance Insulin
Resistance Insulin resistance and obesity are considered long-term sequelae of the high blood glucose levels incurred when the body responds to stress. None of the other options are related to the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal cortex The relaxation response calls upon the initiation of what process? Sympathetic activation Parasympathetic activation Sympathetic activation prepares the individual for the fight-or-flight response. Parasympathetic activation has the opposite effect. None of the other options would bring about relaxation Meditation is successful in promoting stress reduction because it brings about which outcome? Prevents endorphin release. quiets the sympathetic nervous system Sympathetic nervous system stimulation prepares the body for fight or flight in response to stress. Meditation reduces this state of alert by eliciting a relaxation response by creating a hypometabolic state of quieting the sympathetic nervous system. None of the other options accurately describe the process A nurse teaches a client a technique for examining negative thoughts and restraining them in positive ways. What term is used to identify this technique? Guided imagery Cognitive reframing Cognitive reframing calls for changing the viewpoint of a situation and replacing it with another viewpoint that fits the facts but is less negative. That description does not apply to any of the other options. What is the physiologic basis for the success of guided imagery? beta-endorphin release raises the pain threshold beta-endorphine release raises the pain threshold Guided imagery stimulates release of β-endorphins, a brain chemical that raises the individual's pain threshold. In so doing, the guided imagery is responsible for making the client more comfortable. None of the other options are accurate explanations of this process A client with hypertension uses an automatic cycling blood pressure cuff with audible changing tones. The client uses relaxation techniques to lower her blood pressure and is informed of her ongoing success by the tone. This process describes biofeedback biofeedback Biofeedback is a technique for gaining conscious control over unconscious processes. The scenario describes one method that might accomplish this An effective stress-reduction technique a nurse might teach an individual with performance anxiety is assertiveness deep breathing Changing the breathing pattern can be highly effective in aborting or mitigating the high anxiety level associated with performance anxiety. None of the other options are typically associated with anxiety management Self-help groups are useful for reducing stress because they provide th individual with the stress mediator that take what form? Social support social support Self-help groups often provide a high level of social support. Members meet and are encouraged and sustained by others who share the same problem. None of the other options are expected to be provided by the self-help group format What factor exerts the greatest influence on the degree to which various life events upset a specific individual? -The individual's perception of the event the individual's perception of the event Researchers have looked at the degree to which various life events upset specific individuals. They have found that the perception of a recent life event determines the person's emotional and psychological reactions to it. While the other options may be factors none contribute to the degree of stress than one's perception of the stressor What would a client experience during a progressive relaxation session? - instruction in sequential tensing and relaxing of various muscle groups until the entire body is relaxed - being attached to a machine that monitors a physical parameter and receiving audible feedback about the state of that parameter - having a nurse enter the client's energy field to rebalance it and bring harmony - being led into a positive imaginary sensory experience Instruction in sequential tensing and relaxing of various muscle groups until the entire body is relaxed Instruction on sequential tensing and relaxing muscles provides a description of Benson's method of progressive relaxation. Being attached to a machine that uses sound describes biofeedback. Rebalancing an energy field describes therapeutic touch. Positive imaging describes a component of guided imagery What tool should the nurse use in assessing the amount of stress a client has experienced in the past year? NANDA handbook Life-Changing Event Questionnaire This questionnaire calls for the client to review events of the past year and score each. This is the only tool listed that assesses stress Which approach to reducing client stress is most effective in people with low to moderate hypnotic ability? meditation biofeedback Biofeedback is usually thought to be most effective in people with low to moderate hypnotic ability. For people with hypnotic ability, meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, and other cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques produce the most rapid reduction in clinical symptoms Jacob is a college student whose friend recently committed suicide. Jacob rates his stress as low. Melissa was also friend with the person who committed suicide, but she rates her stress as high. The difference in how Jacob and Melissa rate their stress may be explained by which coping mechanism? projection Perception Perception, which is influenced by gender, culture, age, and life experience, plays a part in how someone will respond to a stress. The perception of a stressor determines the person's emotional and psychological reactions to it. The other options are all defense mechanisms that do not explain the difference in reactions to a stressor. Which client behavior illustrates eustress? a college student fails an exam a bribe is planning for her wedding Eustress is the result of a positive perception toward a stressor, such as having a baby, planning a wedding, or getting a new job. The other options all describe distress, or a negative energy. Which statement by a patient who has been taught cognitive reframing indicates that the teaching was successful? "I do not have the ability to handle that job" "I can be successful if I do all the things required to learn the job" "I may be fired from the job but eventually I will find something else to do with my life" "I can never learn all there is to know for the job" "I can be successful if I do all the things required to learn the job." Cognitive reframing changes the individual's perceptions of stress by reassessing a situation and replacing irrational beliefs with more positive self-statements. The other options are all negative cognitive distortions that would prevent the individual from success. A client, whose friend recently committed suicide, asks the nurse about some ways to help cope with the stress regarding the event. Which option should the nurse discuss with the client? - isolation for a short time so that the pain isn't reinforced by explaining her feelings over and over - Antianxiety medication to help her relax - Starting a hobby to keep her mind off the troubling event - Talking with friends and attending a loss support group Talking with friends and attending a loss support group Social supports and support groups are two effective ways to cope with stress and stressful events. Isolation is never a healthy option; talking about feelings usually decreases stress, not increases. There is no evidence to suggest Melissa is anxious. Trying to "keep her mind off" the stressor does not develop coping mechanisms to deal with stress but rather encourages not dealing with the problem A patient admitted with anxiety asks, "What exactly are stressors?" What is the nurse's best response to the patient's question? "Stressors are events that happen that threaten your current functioning and require you to adapt." "Stressors are complicated neuro stimuli that cause mental illness." "It's best if you ask questions like that of your provider for a complete answer." "Instead of focusing on what stressors are, let's explore your coping skills." "Stressors are events that happen that threaten your current functioning and require you to adapt." Stressors are psychological or physical stimuli that are incompatible with current functioning and require adaptation. Stressors are not complicated neuro stimuli; telling the patient to address these questions to her provider fails to educate the patient, which is the nurse's responsibility. Exploring coping skills would be a good intervention at a later time but does not address the patient's question and changes the subject. What assessment question is focused on identifying a long-term consequence of chronic stress on physical health? "Do you have any problems with sleeping well?" "How many infections have you experienced in the last 6 months?" "How much moderate exercise do you engage in on a regular basis?" "What management techniques do you regularly use to manage your stress?" "How many infections have you experienced in the last 6 months?" Which nursing assessments are directed at monitoring a patient's fight or flight response? select all that apply blood pressure blood pressure The patient you are assigned unexpectedly suffers a cardiac arrest. During this emergency situation, your body will produce a large amount of: carbon dioxide epinephrine Which question is focused on the assessment of an individual's personal ability to manage stress? select all that apply "Have you ever been diagnosed with cancer?" "Do you engage in any hobbies now that you have retired?" "Have you been taking your antihypertensive medication as it is prescribed?" "Who can you rely on if you need help after you're discharged from the hospital?" "What do you do to help manage the demands of parenting a 4-year-old and a newborn?" "Do you engage in any hobbies now that you have retired?" "Who can you rely on if you need help after you're discharged from the hospital?" "What do you do to help manage the demands of parenting a 4-year-old and a newborn?" When considering stress , what is the primary goal of making daily entries into a personal journal? providing a distraction from the daily stress identifying stress triggers Jackson has suffered from migraine headaches all of his life. Fatima, his nurse practitioner, suspects muscle tension as a trigger for his headaches. Fatima teaches him a technique that promotes relaxation by using: biofeedback progressive muscle relaxation Hugo is 21 and diagnosed with schizophrenia. His history includes significant turmoil as a child and adolescent. Hugo reports his father was abusive and routinely beat him, all of his siblings, and his mother. Hugo's early exposure to stress most likely: made him resilient to stressful situations increased his future vulnerability to psychiatric disorders Hugo has a fraternal twin named Franco who is unaffected by mental illness even though they were raised in the same dysfunctional household. Franco asks the nurse, "Why Hugo and not me?" The nurse replies: "Your father was probably less abusive to you" "Hugo likely has a genetic vulnerability" "You probably ignored the situation" "Hugo responded to perceived threats by focusing on an internal world" "Hugo likely has a genetic vulnerability"
First responders and emergency department healthcare providers often use dark humor in an effort to: reduce stress and anxiety reduce stress and anxiety Your 39-year-old patient, Samantha, who was admitted with anxiety, asks you what the stress-relieving technique of mindfulness is. The best response is: Mindfulness is focusing on an object and repeating a word or phrase while deep breathing Mindfulness is progressively tensing, then relaxing, body muscles Mindfulness is focusing on the here and now, not the past or future, and paying attention to what is going on around you Mindfulness is a memory system to assist you in short-term memory recall Mindfulness is focusing on the here and now, not the past or future, and paying attention to what is going on around you Which neurotransmitter is a brain catecholamine that plays an important role in mood, sleep, sexuality, appetite, and metabolism? GABA Serotonin Short-term effects of the hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal Cortex (HYPAC) select all that apply Decrease fluid loss Decrease fluid loss What are the three stages of the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)? Select all that apply Exhaustion Alarm Distress can be defines as Hopefulness negative draining energy Amy, a 30 year old single mother lives in a neighborhood that has frequent break-ins. Her children are 2 and 5 years old and ask her if they are safe where they live. This is an example of what kind of stressor? Physiological
psychological Which of the following cultures tends to express distress in somatic terms and experience it physically? (Select all that apply) Western European Asians Which of the following are recognized as a "stress buster" to be incorporated in our lives to reduce stress with little effort. (select all that apply) About 20 minutes a day of moderate intensity aerobic activity Sleeping in later in the mornings Slowly weaning off coffee, tea, sodas and chocolate drinks getting a 60 minute massage listening to familiar types of music About 20 minutes a day of moderate intensity aerobic activity Slowly weaning off coffee, tea, sodas and chocolate drinks getting a 60 minute massage listening to familiar types of music Which of these situations are NOT recognized as being capable of producing stress and triggering stress response? fatigue prayer A cumulative final exam can be used as a perfect example of what type of stressor? Physiological negative psychological Biofeedback allows someone to manage stress through which of the following methods? Focusing on taking slow deep and even breaths Using positive images to replace negative or stressful feelings Provides immediate and exact information regarding muscle activity, brain waves, skin temperature, heart rate, blood pressure and other bodily functions Training the mind to develop a great calm and insight into ones experience Provides immediate and exact information regarding muscle activity, brain waves, skin temperature, heart rate, blood pressure and other bodily functions When an APSU student nurse has the thought "I can't pass this course" and replaces it with a self statement like "if I choose to study for this test I will increase my chances of success". The student has achieved the goal of: Mindfulness cognitive reframing Which of these exercise techniques can reduce stress? Select all that apply: Yoga Yoga A 60 year old male recently diagnosed with cancer makes the statement, "I'll never live a happy life again." This is an example of? Overgeneralization overgeneralization All of the following are positive aspects of journaling EXCEPT: Ease worry and obsession Distracting you from daily activities Your patient lost his mother at a young age due to a car wreck on her way to the store. He says, "it must have been a long line there because I haven't seen her since." The patient is using what technique to decrease his stress? Guided Imagery humor How can stress be a good thing quizlet?How can stress actually be a good thing? The body's initial reaction to stress keeps you alert, gives you a burst of energy, and allows you to face the challenge. It can protect you from harm and motivate you during the incident. It can also sharpen your concentration.
What happens to the body after a stressful situation quizlet?headaches, stomachaches, hypertension, &slowing of the immune system. The way your body reacts to stress. Ex: insomnia, dizziness, dry mouth, fainting, nausea, heartburn, etc.
Which is the best example of eustress?People can experience eustress when they feel confident in their ability to solve a problem or cope with a situation. For example, they may feel stressed about an exam but know that they have prepared enough to be able to do it. Afterward, they might feel a sense of accomplishment or pride.
Which form of exercise appears to be especially helpful in stress management?While just about any form of physical activity can help burn away tension and stress, rhythmic activities are especially effective. Good choices include walking, running, swimming, dancing, cycling, tai chi, and aerobics.
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