1.3 Stress Adaptation Flashcards
Potential Stressors for Older Patients
Older Patients
Unfamiliar surroundings Health problems Cost of healthcare Loss of independence Fear Lack of knowledge Loss of family & friends Change in functional ability
Potential Stressors for Nurses
Nurses Dealing with difficult people 12+ hour shifts, no breaks Mandatory OT Workload/ low staffing ratios Floated to unfamiliar units Dealing with death & dying Organizational philosophy conflict. Lack of rewards & decision making
Selye’s GAS How do we respond to Stress?
Stress: a disturbance in person’s normal balanced state.
Stage 1: Alarm: Occurs when one feels threatened
Stage 2 Resistance: Mobilization of resources to solve the problem.
Stage 3: Exhaustion: Adaptation fails and level of function decreases.
Stress has continued for some time, resistance is lost r/t energy supply being depleted, chronic stress damages nerve cells in tissues and organs. (Maladaptation)
Psychological Responses to Stressors
see chart
Physiological Response to Stressors
Muscle tension Stiff neck HA Nail biting Dry mouth Cardiac dysrhythmias Increased blood glucose Increased urinary frequency or decrease output Diarrhea or constipation Weight or appetite changes Hyperventilation Chest Pain
Maladaptive Responses
Maladaptive
Consume excess caffeine Abuse alcohol Smoking, chewing tobacco Street drug use Abuse of OTC meds Avoiding social activities
**Adaptive behaviors contribute to resolution of stress whereas maladaptive behaviors lead to further problems
Adaptive Responses
Adaptive
Proper nutrition- helps maintain homeostasis and resisting stress
Exercise- emotional and physical homeostasis proper weight decrease CV risk factors associated with stress
Adequate sleep & rest periods
Leisure activities- provide joy and satisfaction and are restorative to the person
Time management- helps person feel in control of situation therefore decreasing stress.
**Adaptive behaviors contribute to resolution of stress whereas maladaptive behaviors lead to further problems
Teach Stress Management Techniques
Exercise Relaxation techniques Guided imagery Acupuncture Massage Humor- Laughing releases endorphins and relieves stress Journal writing Listen to music Positive self talk
Teach Stress Management Techniques Nursing Intervention
Nursing Interventions Referrals as needed Explain procedures Assess coping strategies “how do you handle stress” “How well do these methods work” “what do you do to stay healthy”
Defense Mechanisms
see chart
Addictive Disorders
A compulsive preoccupation with obtaining the substance, loss of control over consumption, and development of tolerance and dependence on the substance.
Caffeine
Nicotine
Drugs
Alcohol
Substance Abuse Terms
Abuse
Abuse:
continued use of substance for at least 1 month in a way that is inconsistent with social norms.
Substance Abuse Terms
Dependence
Dependence:
Use of substance is no longer under control of person for at least 3 months. Substance used regardless of adverse effects
Substance Abuse Terms
Tolerance
Tolerance:
Initial amount no longer elicits the same response need more of substance to get desired effect.
Substance Abuse Terms
Withdrawal
Withdrawal:
Wide array of symptoms that occur in dependent person who stops use of substance.
Substance Abuse in Older Adult
Less likely to be recognized r/t symptoms confused with other conditions.
Increased risk for falls can lead to loss of independence
ETOH increases risk of HTN, cardiac dysrhythmias, CA, GI, depression, and bone loss. Depression & ETOH abuse most frequently found disorders in completed suicides.
Symptoms of abuse often treated rather than confronting the abuse.
Often result of misuse of prescribed and OTC drugs & ETOH
