Chapter 26- Stress and Associated Problems Flashcards
Stressor
Any factor that creates a significant change in body or environment. May be physical, psychological, or both. May be real, anticipated, or imagined. It May be short-term or long-term. It can stimulate growth and development, or have many negative influences
Stress
Happens when a person’s status is altered by his or her reaction to a stressor
Selye’s stress response
“Fight or flight”
Alarm stage
The body’s defenses are mobilized by activation of the hypothalamus, SNS, and adrenal glands
Second (resistance) stage
Hormonal levels are elevated, essential body systems operate at peak performance
Final (exhaustion) stage
The body is unable to respond further or is damaged by increased demands
Effects of the stress response
Elevated BP and increased heart rate, bronchodilation, and increased ventilation, increased blood glucose levels, arousal of CNS, decreased inflammatory and immune responses, increase the release of endorphin, and major or prolonged stress can result in disrupted intellectual function and memory
Herpes simplex
Erupts when a person is stressed
Asthma attacks or seizures
Triggered by a stressful situation
Onset of cancer or infection
Frequently follows serious life crisis
Chronic diseases
Stress is an exacerbating factor
Stressor present
MS, RA, Lupus, Asthma, Acne, Ulcerative colitis, Eczema
Acute renal failure
Prolonged severe vasoconstriction and reduced blood supply to the kidney
Stress ulcers
Caused by severe trauma such as burns
Infection
Another complication of severe stress
PTSD
The serious consequence after a major disaster. Usually occurs within 3 months of an event. Involves revisiting or reliving the vent, avoidance of certain activities and lack of response, and dissociative state in which person is nonresponsive
Factors that interfere with finding appropriate response to stress
Age, inadequate nutrition, insufficient knowledge, and lack of emotional support
Strategies that work for stress
Adequate rest and healthy diet, change lifestyle to adapt to the new situation, regular moderate exercise especially when stress is high, engaging in distracting activities then back to the problem, and counseling and support services. Also, relaxation techniques, antianxiety meds, methodical approaches, etc.
Strategies that don’t work for stress
Avoid sleep, eat junk food, drink too much coffee, smoking constantly
