anxiety Flashcards
anxiety
vague feeling of dread or apprehension that is different than fear
fear
feeling afraid or threatened by identifiable stimulus representing danger
stress
wear and tear of life on the body
general adaptation syndrome
physiologic aspects of stress
alarm reaction stage
preparation for defense
resistance stage
blood shunted to areas needed for defense
exhaustion stage
stores depleted; emotional components unresolved
positive anxiety reactions
guided imagery
relaxation and refocusing
deep breathing
negative (maladaptive)
tension headaches
pain syndromes
mild level of anxiety
special attention; increased sensory stimulation, motivation
moderate level of anxiety
something definitely wrong; nervousness/agitation; difficulty concentrating; able to be redirected
severe level of anxiety
trouble thinking and reasoning; tightening muscles; increased vital signs; restless, irritable, angry
panic level of anxiety
fight, flight, or freeze response; increased vital signs; dilated pupils, cognitive processes focusing on defense
working with an anxious patients tips
self-awareness of anxiety level, help the client label emotions and identify anxiety, assessment of persons anxiety level, low, calm, soothing voice, careful use of touch
interventions for mild and moderate anxiety
encourage problem solving with client
help the client identify thoughts/feelings preceding the anxiety
assist in developing alternate solutions to the problems
provide positive outlets for dissipating excess energy
interventions for severe anxiety and panic
use of short, simple, easy to understand sentences and low pitched voice, remain with the person, lower persons anxiety level to moderate or mild before preceding, safety during panic level, short term use of anxiolytics
altruism
emotional conflicts and stressors are addressed by meeting the needs of others
sublimation
substituting constructive and socially acceptable activities for unacceptable strong impulses
humor
emphasizing amusing or ironic aspects of the stressor
suppression
conscious denial of a disturbing situation/feeling