EF - Stress and Coping Flashcards
SUMMARY
SUMMARY
Stress
mental, emotional / physical response / adaptation to real/perceived changes/challenges OR
psychological / emotional / physical response / adaptation to real / perceived changes / challenges
economists - stress -social / economic
Poverty / unemployment
psychologists - stress - individual life events
divorce / job loss
nature or stress is
ambiguous - perceptions of stress often based personal life experiences
stress involves what or\gans / tissues
nearly every organ system / tissue human body
Stress affects entire
family
All individuals experience
stress as a normal part of daily life
health care professionals - may experience stress in own lives / clinical practice
Recognizing signs / symptoms own stress / implementing self-care / stress management techniques
responding to stress is a necessary physiological process for
regulation/homeostasis
situation is determined-stressful, nervous/endocrine systems
respond by initiating fight-or-flight response
stress reaction
when perceived demands (stressors) > individual resources - meet demands
When disrupted by stress
body works to maintain equilibrium GAS
stress can be both
positive and negative
depending - how individual perceives stress (appraisal)
stress is bodys response to
∆s affecting normal balanced state of equilibrium
Selye
(early pioneer study of stress) - identified stressor
Any event / experience / environmental stimulus → causes stress in individual
stressors are inherently
neutral
individual’s perceptions of / responses - determine stressor – positive / pleasant (eustress) / negative / unhealthy (distress)
“eustress”
positive / pleasant
Unhealthy / chronically prolonged stress levels
→ physical / emotional fatigue / ill health
concept of stress encompasses (2)
effects of stressor
person’s appraisal / interpretation of stressor
everyday stressors - effectively managed through
homeostatic / regulation processes
↓ impact on individual / maintain health
When person experiences potential / actual stressor
situation appraised
limbic system activates anticipatory response
anticipatory response
??
stressor perceived as minor
physiological / psychological / behavioral processes compensate for it
homeostasis maintained
v stressor perceived as more serious threat
??CLARIFY
hypothalamus secretes
corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF)
corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) activates
SNS to release norepinephrine / epinephrine / dopamine
AKA fight or flight
fight-or-flight response
↑ in heart rate / blood pressure / cardiac output
dilation of bronchial airways / pupil dilation
↑ in blood glucose levels
body prepared for action
CRF also signals
anterior / posterior pituitary glands
release adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) from adrenal cortex
ACTH stimulates
adrenal glands - release cortisol
the stress hormone
cortisol
cortisol causes what to happen in body
• ↑ mental alertness / focus
• ↓ pain receptors
immunosuppressive / anti-inflammatory effects
clarifiying some questionas
??
When individual disrupted by stress - body works to maintain equilibrium →how
initiating general adaptive syndrome (GAS)
(GAS), which consists of a three-stage response:
alarm, resistance/ exhaustion
alarm
central nervous system becomes aroused
body defense mechanisms mobilized
CLARIFY
resistance
body resists / seeks to counter stress
parasympathetic nervous system - attempts return body to homeostasis
body remains on alert
hormonal / other bodily functions return to normal
body repairs any damage caused by threat
exhaustion
body can no longer defend against stressor
chronic exposure - ↑ / fluctuating endocrine / neural responses
causes ↑ wear / tear - body organs
leads to allostatic load
ALLOSTATIC LOAD
Wear and tear on body
Repeated / chronic stress
IE. Cumulative burden of chronic stress / life events
chronic exposure - ↑ / fluctuating endocrine / neural responses • can cause long-term physiological problems LIKE
• chronic hypertension / depression / autoimmune disorders
short spurts - CORTISOL
cortisol ↑ immunity
↓ inflammation
cortisol levels heightened for prolonged period
inflammation ↑
may result ↓ immune function
↑ risk - infection - ↓ lymphocytes (WBC’S - fight off infection)
GAS may be triggered
physical / psychological stressors / events
physiological changes occur whether
§ perceived stressor considered positive (eustress) / negative (distress)
fundamental concept underlying GAS
Ø body will attempt → return steady state of internal / physical / chemical balance (homeostasis)
Chronic inflammation
development / exacerbation - immune-related disorders →
cardiovascular disease / arthritis / psoriasis / inflammatory bowel disease / various cancers
As individuals age - immunological responses become
more taxed
Biologically / energetically costly
inflammation related - stress exposure
↑ likelihood - developing disease / exacerbate preexisting conditions
Transactional Theory of Stress / Coping (TTSC)
stress as a dynamic process
a transaction between a person / their environment
TTSC - HOW MANY STAGES
Primary / secondary - BOTH before responding to stress
PRIMARY STAGE
individual evaluates situation
determine whether stressor poses a threat
If stressor determined not - a threat - it is dismissed
IF STRESS DETERMINED AS THREAT THEN - SECONDARY STAGE - CONFIRM
individual assesses whether can cope w/ situation
examining balance of situational demands (risk / uncertainty / difficulty w/ available resources for addressing threat)
• including social support / expertise / past successes
SEQUENCE OF STEPS TTSC (4)
APPRAISALS
RESPONSES
CHANGE IN SITUATION
RE-APPRAISAL
WHY IS TTSC CONSIDERED A TRANSACTIONAL MODEL
suggests appraisals impact responses
which in turn result in changes in situation / individual
these changes then influence ongoing reappraisals
PROCESS OF REAPPRAISAL REPEATS PRIMARY / SECONDARY APPRAISALS
ongoing endeavor
continually reassesses both
• nature of stressor
• resources available for responding to stressor
POSIBLE OUTCOMES REAPPAISALS - TTSC
individual may be able to cope effectively w/ stressor or
person may have to ∆ / abandon coping strategy
How an individual appraises a stressor determines
how that person will respond to stressor
Appraisal of stressor influenced numerous personal / contextual factors
Cognitive / physiological / affective / psychological / neurologic skills / abilities resources
2 CATEGORIES / TYPES OF STRESSORS
Ø acute or chronic
Physiological stressors - generally associated w/
INJURY / ILLNESS →
EX: exposure → extreme temperatures / trauma / injury / illness / pain
body’s reaction – immediate / necessary for survival
Psychological stressors - more common / generate
STATE - EMOTIONAL UNEASE
• Event / situation / comment / condition / interaction
• individual interprets - negative / threatening
EX: Work / academic pressures / financial difficulties / ∆ marital status / victim - natural catastrophe
Chronic physiological stress
→
§ debilitating conditions
Stress - three types:
acute stress / episodic acute stress / chronic stress
Stress-related disorders may
result of prolonged / heightened levels of stress / anxiety
NAME?
most common / frequent
brief
either positive / negative
causes IMMEDIATE REACTION / BIOLOGICAL response
triggers FIGHT-OR-FLIGHT RESPONSE
EX’s: motor vehicle accident / experiencing loss loved one / victim of crime
Manifestations – irritability / chest tightness / headache / gastrointestinal disturbance / sweaty palms / shortness of breath
Most episodes - NO lingering health effects
MOST COMMON / FREQUENT TYPE OF STRESS
ACUTE
WHICH STRESS STYPE TRIGGERS FLIGHT OR FIGHT
ACUTE
DOES ACUTE STRESS NORMALLY HAVE LINGERING HEALTH EFFECTS
NO
MAINIFESTATIONS (SIGNS / SYMPTOMS ) ACUTE STRESS
irritability / chest tightness / headache / gastrointestinal disturbance / sweaty palms / shortness of breath
POSSIBLE CAUSES ACUTE STRESS
: motor vehicle accident / experiencing loss loved one / victim of crime
Severe / prolonged stress levels
could →
mental health issues → post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / acute stress disorder
v Episodic Acute Stress
someone experiences frequent bouts acute stress
v Episodic Acute Stress often associated w/ individuals
responsibility > than can be handled
v Episodic Acute Stress clients often feel
disorganized / rushed
MAINIFESTATIONS (SIGNS / SYMPTOMS ) EPISODIC ACUTE STRESS
short-tempered / irritable / anxious
may experience tension headaches / hypertension / migraines
v Clients w/ pattern of episodic acute stress WHAT TYPE OF OUTLOOK
pessimistic outlook / negative worldview
can negatively impact relationships / work / overall health
CHRONIC STRESS
stress levels – HEIGHTENED / CONSTANT / PROLONGED
CHRONIC STRESS CLIENTS OFTEN BELIEVE
little / no control over situation / circumstances
CHRONIC STRESS PRODUCES CONTINOUS ACTIVATION OF
nervous system
MAINIFESTATIONS (SIGNS / SYMPTOMS ) CHRONIC STRESS
ANXIETY / DEPRESSION / CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE / CANCER / SUICIDE
CHRONIC STRESS OFTEN STEMS FROM
serious life problems →
POVERTY / RACISM / ILLNESS / DISEASE
dysfunctional family system
all populations across lifespan - susceptible to
v stress-related conditions
everyone reacts differently TO
stressful situations
stressful for one person ≠ stressful for another
common major life events - trigger stress include
work-related issues / financial pressures / bereavement / family problems / illness / fear of criminal victimization / excessive noise / overcrowding / fear of unknown
Stress-related disorders - result OF
PROLONGED / ↑ LEVELS STRESS / ANXIETY
Onset / severity STRESS RELATED DISORDERS affected by
Type / frequency / intensity of stressor
person’s perception of stressor
access to support systems
individual’s ability to effectively cope w/ stressor
v common stress-related disorders include
ACUTE STRESS DISORDER / POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD) / IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME
Individuals diagnosed w/ ASD
often been exposed
frightening / traumatic event →
death of loved one
threat of serious injury to themselves / others
exposure to war
other acts of violence
Individuals diagnosed w/ ASD may experience feelings
numbness / disconnectedness / depersonalization / other dissociative symptoms
Other symptoms –
disrupted sleep / irritability / difficulty concentrating / becoming easily startled
WHICH STRESS DISODRDER MAY CAUSE PERSON TO MENTALLY REEXPERIENCE TRAUMATIC EVENT
ASD
avoid people / places
things - remind them of traumatic event
TYPES OF SITUATIONS THAT COULD LEAD TO PTSD
accident / sexual abuse / naturally occurring disaster
WHICH STRESS DISORDER IS among most common mental health disorders in United States
PTSD
PTSD ASSOCIATED WITH WHAT TYPE SYMPTOMS
CHRONIC COURSE / DEBILITATING SYMPTOMS
most individuals WILL EXPERIENCE
ome type - traumatic event during lifetime
most will NOT develop PTSD
MANIFIESTATIONS (SIGNS / SYMPTOMS) PTSD
Recurring / intrusive memories
flashbacks of trauma
nightmares
sweating
↑heart rate / exaggerated startle response - certain noises
experiences - remind person of trauma
Manifestations vary - individual to individual
PTSD MANIFESTATIONS MAY BE DELAYED HOW LONG
days / months / years
For some – PTSD symptoms CAN LAST
months / years
MANIFIESTATIONS (SIGNS / SYMPTOMS) IBS
abdominal discomfort / cramping / bloating / diarrhea / constipation
IS IBS CONSIDERED A DISEASE
NO
rather functional syndrome w/ no known cause
significantly impacts individual’s quality of life
WHAT IS A COMMON TRIGGER FOR IBS
Stress
treatment planning should include stress-reducing techniques / activities
MULTIFACTORIAL DISORDER
condition caused by many contributing factors
approaches to treatment - diverse
IS IBS MULTIFACTORIAL - CONFRIM
crisis
emotionally significant life event
major ∆ in an individual’s life
pushes person beyond ability - effectively cope
Crises may include
Unexpected / unanticipated event w/ insufficient time to prepare / respond
highly threatening incident
disaster
radical ∆ in one’s life
corresponding lack ability to respond effectively
EXS OF CRISIS
Ø traumatic injury / natural disasters / loss of financial security
Crisis severity ranges
Level 1 (least severe) to Level 4 (highest level)
LEVEL 1 - LOWEST /LEAST SEVERE
?
LEVEL 2
?
LEVEL 3
?
LEVEL 4 - HIGHEST
risk of harm - self (suicide) / others (homicide) is present
providers must swing into action – PREVENT / ADDRESS IMMEDIATELY
CONFIRM THIS IS LEVEL 4
v Individuals who commit violence against others may have risk factors →
history of substance misuse / addiction
history of violence toward animals / people
history of psychiatric illness
Other risk factors associated w/ acts of violence directed toward oneself →
history of depression / suicidal behavior
family history of abuse / neglect
ongoing relationship problems
During a crisis - person may
threaten suicide
display highly erratic / unusual behavior
misuse alcohol /other substances
refuse intervention
Crises arise - various sources - generally categorized as STEMMING FROM
situational / developmental (maturational) / adventitious / socioeconomic / cultural stressors
CRISIS - Situational Stressors
Ø created by personal / family /work-related issues
CRISIS - EX’s: personal stressors →
Diagnosed / living w/ chronic illness
financial strain
victim - motor vehicle accident
CRISIS - EX’s: Family stressors →
death of a loved one
∆ in marital status
being unable to conceive
experiencing an unwanted pregnancy
CRISIS - EX’s: work related issues →
Downsizing
sheltering in place
changing work roles / responsibilities
SIGNS A PERSON IS EXPERIENCING A MENTAL HEALTH EMERGENCY
acting on suicide threat
displaying hostile / belligerent behaviors
throwing / breaking items
threatening harm
Crises - experienced by people
all ages / backgrounds / cultures / environments
CRISES CAN BE OBVIOUS OR NOT
→ experiencing death of loved one / dealing w/ a natural disaster
→ internal fear of being exposed - infectious disease
EITHER WAY - sense of imbalance / confusion / situation where usual coping skills may be inadequate
Nurses / health care workers need - particularly alert - potential – work - related stress in themselves
may lead
burnout / compassion fatigue / moral distress
Moral distress - nurse
nurse placed in difficult situation - actions taken ≠ nurse feels ethically correct
complicate nurse’s ability balance moral / emotional / professional duties - clients / themselves
Moral distress - nurse can lead to feelings of
frustration / guilt / insomnia / fatigue / result in w/drawal / depersonalization of clients
moral distress nurse can occur when
anytime during nursing care clients
often heightened during time of crisis / disaster / tragedy
crisis - Developmental Stressors also known as
Developmental (maturational) stressors
Developmental (maturational) stressors can occur when
occur as individual moves through stages of life
Children / preadolescents often identify developmental stressors →
physical appearance / family / friends / school
Adolescents experience developmental stress →
§ Friendships / belongingness / identity formation / leaving family home
Ø Adults developmental stressors →
§ Marriage / beginning a family / launching career / accepting physical aging
Seniors / older adults developmental stressors →
§ health problems / ∆’s in mobility / cognition
CRISIS - Adventitious Stressors AKA
v DISASTER EVENTS
disaster events - generally rare / unexpected
can result from
natural disasters →
• floods / earthquakes / war
interpersonal disasters →
• physical / sexual assault
Acts of terrorism - also considered adventitious events
since previous methods coping may not be sufficient - dealing w/ magnitude of stress
CRISIS -Socioeconomic Stressors
poverty / lower SES / homelessness
low socioeconomic status (SES) / POVERTY CONTRIBUTE TO
contribute to nearly every measure of mental health
including measures of self-reported distress
diagnoses of clinical disorders
potential consequences socioeconomic stressors- not necessarily
fixed / universal
EX: Bridger / Daly concluded cognitive ability may buffer long-term association between childhood socioeconomic disadvantage / poor mental health in adulthood CONFIRM
CRISIS -CULTURAL STRESSORS
live w/in society do not culturally fit
when they receive care - ignores cultural beliefs
Leininger’s Transcultural Nursing Theory AKA - _________
INVOLVES KNOWING WHAT
Culture Care Theory
knowing / understanding / appreciating different cultures/ beliefs / values that influence nursing care
Culture Care Theory advocates
meaningful / effective nursing care in accordance w/
individual’s cultural values / beliefs /patterns of behaviors
Cultural factors → RELATED TO CRISIS CULTURAL STRESSORS
Beliefs / values that influence how individual perceives / responds to stress
• since all individuals appraise stressors w/in context of their own culture
stressor that is perceived as highly stressful in one culture - MAY BE
minor stressor w/ in another culture
Coping strategies - vary from culture to culture
v During a crisis - nurse establishes / maintains therapeutic nurse – client relationship
using effective communication skills
providing safe / calming environment
IS Crisis intervention process oriented
NO
action / situation focused goal
to help client identify precipitating events leading up to crisis
utilize skills, resources,/available support systems to effectively deal w/ crises;/formulate a plan of care for current/future critical events CONFIRM
goal of crisis intervention
help client identify events leading up to crisis
utilize skills / resources / available support systems
effectively deal w/ crisis /
formulate plan of care for current / future critical events
Seven-Stage Model of Crisis Intervention
- biopsychosocial crisis assessment
suicidal / homicidal risk / Drug / alcohol abuse / need medical attention
ineffective coping strategies / Assess resilience / protective factors / support systems - Establish rapport / therapeutic environment by conveying respect / acceptance
Display neutrality / nonjudgmental attitude - Assess dimensions problem / crisis / Identify client issues / challenges / what precipitated crisis → insight into presenting problem
- Encourage client to explore / express feelings / emotions / active listening / reflection / paraphrasing / respond w/ encouraging statements
- Explore past positive coping strategies / alternatives / View client – resourceful / resilient - as possessing an array of potential resources / alternatives
- Implement action plan / Identify supportive individuals / contact referral sources
- Establish follow-up plan after initial intervention - determine client’s status - ensure crisis has been resolved
Cramer defined - ego defense mechanism
mental operation - occurs outside conscious awareness
functions to protect individual’s self-esteem
keep person from experiencing excessive anxiety
extreme cases - protect integration of self
v Holland - defense mechanisms
psychological strategies - help individuals separate from / distance between themselves / unpleasant events / feelings / thoughts
Defense mechanisms
psychological strategies / mental operations
outside conscious awareness
protect individual’s self-esteem
keep person from ex
periencing excessive anxiety
extreme cases - protect integration of self
normal / natural part - psychological development
useful in protecting human psyche from anxiety / fear
Defense mechanisms usually occur outise
conscious awareness
Defense mechanisms normal / nautural part of
psychological development
Defense mechanisms usefule in protecting human psyche from
anxiety / fear
defense mechanisms can be misused / distorted →
cognitive distortions / thinking errors
Thinking errors - faulty patterns thinking
unhealthy ways - coping that become self-defeating
often occur unconsciously
role of nurse FOR CLIENTS EXPERIENCING STRESS
conducting comprehensive assessment - client’s condition
evidence-based assessment tools to evaluate physiological, psychological / emotional / behavioral signs / symptoms of stress
Psychological General Well-Being Index (PGWBI)
Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)
Ways of Coping Questionnaire (WCQ) confirm
Ø Psychological General Well-Being Index (PGWBI)
measures client’s level of subjective psychological well-being
self-representations of affective / emotional states
• reflects client’s sense of subjective well-being
• distress full scale provides subscales to assess
• anxiety / depression / positive well-being / self-control / general health / vitality
Before conducting – assessment - nurse must first
establish rapport / build trusting nurse / client relationship - provide safe / confidential environment - conducive to sharing personal / sensitive information
therapeutic communication techniques - build
TRUSTING RELATIONSHIPS
therapeutic communication technique INCLUDE
active listening / asking open-ended questions / seeking clarification / offering observations
Nurses - all areas nursing practices need to recognize
physiological / psychological signs / symptoms of stress in clients
implement / evaluate effective interventions
provide ongoing client education
v Signs / symptoms – stress associated health alterations MANIFEST HOW
variety of ways / w/ varying levels severity
nursing process provides a five-step, systematic approach to
assess client’s condition
implement a client-centered
individualized / holistic plan of care
v five sequential steps NURSING PROCESS
Ø assessment / diagnosis / planning / implementation / evaluation
v Assessment
nursing process begins w/ detailed assessment - client’s condition
Objective / subjective information - obtained through
• Interviews / observation / examination
• Ideally will take place – private / quiet / uninterrupted setting
• free from distractions
Ø During initial assessment – NURSE CONDUCTS
mental status exam
gathers relevant client information →
• presenting symptoms
• personal / family health history
• substance use / abuse history
• previous hospitalizations
• mental health treatment
• coping strategies
• health beliefs / practices
Ø EX’s: objective client information →
vital signs / appearance / behavior / physical exam findings
• •
Vital signs often vary - depending -
level of anxiety client experiencing
client w/ mild anxiety may exhibit –
•
minimal / no physiological manifestations – anxiety
client w/ moderate anxiety - may appear
animated / have slightly ↑ vital signs
•
Clients w/ severe anxiety - likely exhibit
↑ vital signs / diaphoresis / heart palpitations / muscle tension
Ø EX’s: subjective client information →
somatic complaints / current relationship / work situations / client’s perceptions - current stressors / problems
• nurse may consult family members / other individuals knowledgeable about client (w/ client’s permission)
• health records / assessments conducted - other members mental health care team
• fully understand client’s unique situation
Analysis
After conducting comprehensive assessment - nurse analyzes client-related information→
develop statement of client’s problem / health alteration
Ø To analyze actual / potential client concerns / health alterations
nurses use clinical judgment skills
Analysis may include - actual description of problem (eg, loss of appetite)
as well as assessment of client’s potential risk - developing additional health conditions
Nurses use information obtained from analysis TO DETERMINE
client plan of care
Planning
Based on
assessment information
nurse collaborates w/ client / family / members health care team
to establish measurable short / long-term goals (outcomes)
• which are used to formulate plan of care
• plan of care should take into account –
• client’s level of knowledge / available support systems / access to care / personal beliefs / health habits / cultural / spiritual preferences
Ø Plan of care - →
identified client problems
require priority / immediate attention
treatment goals
nursing actions needed to achieve desired goals
ways to evaluate goal achievement
§ EX’s: goals requiring immediate attention →
• client staying w/ a friend/family member to ↓ suicide potential
• client identifying at least 2 individuals who can be called if client begins to have suicidal feelings
• client identifying at least one goal for future
§ EX’s: long-term goals →
• client implementing effective coping strategies - deal w/ stress / anxiety
• client identifying personal strengths
• client using available resources / support systems
EX’s: nursing actions →
• developing trusting relationship w/ client
• through use of therapeutic communication
• providing calm presence
• acknowledging client’s feelings
• helping client determine which situations / events tend to contribute – stress / anxiety
• discussing coping mechanisms used in past
• which mechanisms - most helpful
• teaching client about / encouraging use - new coping skills
• → physical activity / progressive relaxation / deep breathing /positive self-affirmations
• referring client - community resources - help alleviate situational stressors
v Implementation
implementing nursing actions / interventions outlined in plan of care
accurately documenting client’s progress / response to treatment
• ensure continuity of client care
Client outcomes / goals - achieved by
accomplishing nursing interventions detailed in plan of care
designed to prevent / promote / maintain / restore mental / physical health
Ø During implementation phase - nurses may implement / coordinate / delegate
aspects of plan of care
v Evaluation
Evaluation – ongoing / iterative / thorough assessment - client’s health status / plan of care
step - critical - determine if plan of care - been effective ↑ client’s condition / health status
client’s status / effectiveness of plan of care - continuously
evaluated
plan of care modified as needed
Ø When evaluating plan of care - nurse reviews all steps - nursing process
Assesses / reassesses plan - determine whether desired outcomes achieved
Coping
strategies an individual adopts to deal w/ a stressor
coping strategies are highly influenced by
psychological / sociological /cultural factors
Stressors / coping mechanisms - vary across lifespan
depend on individual’s appraisal of stressor
amount / type of social support available to manage stressor
importance placed upon stressor
severity of stressor
ability to cope effectively / in a healthy manner
positive outcome - not necessarily associated w/
v adequately managed stress
individuals might adopt either
problem-focused/emotion-focused coping styles
problem-focused approach - involves
Ø dealing w/ situation itself by trying to ∆ it into something more palatable
v emotion-focused approach - requires
altering association w/ situation to ↓ stress it may be causing
can include - avoiding situation / reframing its meaning
this approach does not ∆ nature of situation itself
does ∆ how situation affects individual
Coping strategies are classified as
adaptive / maladaptive
adaptive
help individual manage stress in short / long terms
→ changing an unhealthy habit
maladaptive
reduce stress short term
often exacerbate problem longer term
EX: → misusing drugs to cope
Health promotion is
art / science of helping individuals ∆ their lifestyle to achieve optimal health
Health promotion enables people to
↑ control over personal health by addressing / preventing root causes of ill health /not just focusing on treatment / cure
how does health promotion help people gain control over their personal health
by addressing / preventing root causes of ill health / not just focusing on treatment / cure
According - World Health Organization - health promotion
focuses on
interventions that support healthy lifestyle
By practicing health promotion
people can be proactive / take control of personal health
rather than having to respond to illness / disease
Health promotion activities → interventions
Mitigate / reduce stresss - producing situations
↑ resistance to stress
Strategies / techniques to help individuals cope effectively w/ stressors include
maintaining a healthy diet / nutrition /
learning time management /
building personal resilience /
rest / relaxation / (PROGRESSIVE RELAXATION)
practicing complementary / alternative therapies /
journaling
Healthy Diet/Nutrition
healthy diet can help offset impact of stress
strengthening immune system
lowering blood pressure
supporting overall good health
According to WebMD - consumption - complex carbohydrates
stimulates production of
serotonin
chemical that ↑s sense of well-being
↓s stress
stabilizes blood sugar levels
v Good choices - complex carbohydrates
whole grains / oatmeal / lentils / beans
Oranges - good source vitamin C
can help
↓ stress hormone levels
strengthening immune system
omega-3 fatty acids - found in
fish / seafood / nuts / seeds / plant oils
may provide protection against disorders →
heart disease / depression / premenstrual syndrome
Drinking black tea - may help individuals recover - FROM
stressful events more quickly
Seeds / nuts /avocados - sources of
v healthy fats
v healthy fats
help ↓ cholesterol levels
reduce inflammation
protect against effects of stress
mechanical effects munching raw vegetables (ie. celery / carrot sticks)
• helps reduce tension
• releasing clenched jaw
drink plenty of water
drink two glasses of water WHEN
UPON WAKING
Exercise
One of best stress-reducing strategies – exercise / ↑ physical activity
Cardio (cardiovascular) exercise
boosts oxygen circulation
spurs body - produce feel - good chemicals
• endorphins
Exercise programs →
Pilates / yoga / tai chi - effective ↓ stress
Ø According to Mayo Clinic - virtually any form exercise
can act as stress reliever
Exercise ↑s
Regular movement / physical activity
↑s overall health / sense of well-being / reducing stress
Regular movement / physical activity
Can ↑energy
↑ mood / self-confidence
create sense of relaxation
Ø Exercise - also ↑ sleep
often disrupted by stress / depression / anxiety
Time Management
Managing time well / staying organized - can be
stress ↓ strategy
identifying tasks / activities - require immediate attention vs tasks can wait
Starting each day w/ a to-do list / prioritizing list of tasks - high - low
can help ↓ stress levels
lower-priority tasks may be rescheduled / delegated - someone else / or eliminated
Managing multitasking
controlling urge - immediately respond every text / email - helps ↓ stress
Building Personal Resilience
Resilience - ability bounce back - life’s various challenges
adapt well in face of adversity / trauma / stress
can be fostered by practicing mindfulness activities
Mindfulness -
state of paying attention / being fully present / alert to your surroundings / environment
means focusing attention - purposeful way - present moment
becoming aware of what is happening in here-and-now
being cognizant of internal / external worlds w/out judgment
MINDFULNESS STEPS OR PROCESS
Stand outdoors
Breathe deeply / notice elements / environment (Is sun shining, etc)
30 to 60 seconds to perform
can be done any time / formidable way - turning brain - mindful / contemplative mode
Throughout day - pause for moment / slow breaths (in through nose / exhale through mouth)
Focus breathing / sensations lungs filling / rib cage falling
Clear your mind/relax as you continue breathing
Handwashing – impressive / uncomplicated mindfulness activity - can be done anywhere
As you wash hands - be mindful of all sensations (temp / friction hands moving along your wrists / suds washing away / enjoy sensation
Rest/Relaxation
Establishing - regular routine - getting adequate rest / sleep
essential - ensuring overall good health / ↓ stress
Adequate sleep - necessary –
body to repair / restore itself
release melatonin
• essential hormone - regulating sleep / wake cycles
Ø Sleep quality can be enhanced – by
going to bed / rising same time each day
avoiding nicotine / caffeine / alcohol before bedtime
unplugging from media devices
keeping a comfortable / cool / dark sleeping space
Guided imagery -
helpful technique - ↓ stress –
Ø using combination relaxation / visualization / imagination
assume relaxed / comfortable position
focus on pleasurable image / experience / event
while practicing progressive relaxation
Progressive relaxation →
tensing / releasing each muscle group – body
begin by tensing / relaxing - facial muscles → neck → arms → torso → abdomen → legs
down to toes
Ø positive affirmation →
“Stress is leaving my body; my work as a nurse is very important; I am making a positive difference in lives of my patients; what I do matters”
v Complementary/Alternative Therapies
Ø aromatherapy / herbal medicine / acupuncture / massage / biofeedback / meditation
• offer clients new avenues - may ↑ overall health
v Journaling
personal journal – thoughts / feelings / emotions
provide meaningful / productive outlet for stress
Ø Expressing gratitude - another way ↓ anxiety
When stressed / anxious / overwhelmed - individual can reflect upon
• Person / experience / event / thing
• which they are grateful
• record their reflections in journal
may be one of most effective strategies – achieving / maintaining contented life
Conveying gratitude -
v acute stress
Ø The most common type of stress It is usually brief,/triggers fight-or-flight response
v acute stress disorder (ASD)
Ø An intense/dysfunctional reaction to a traumatic event / SYMPTOMS lasts less than a month
v adventitious stressors
Ø Stress that results from events of disaster; they are generally rare, unexpected,/can result from natural disasters
v chronic stress
Ø Occurs when stress is heightened, constant,/prolonged Continuous activation of nervous system can cause/exacerbate health problems
v coping strategies
Ø The strategies that an individual adopts to deal w/ a stressor, which is highly influenced by psychological, sociological,/cultural factors Adaptive coping strategies include maintaining a healthy diet/nutrition, exercise, time management techniques, building personal resilience, rest/relaxation, mindfulness activities, complementary/alternative therapies,/journaling
v crisis
Ø threatening situation triggered by a precipitating event whereby an individual experiences a strong behavioral, emotional,/psychiatric response Crises arise from various sources
pushes person beyond ability - effectively cope
v cultural stressors
Ø Stress that individuals may experience by living w/in a society in which they do not culturally fit and/or receiving care that ignores their cultural beliefs
v developmental (maturational) stressors
Ø Stress that occurs as an individual moves through stages of life
v ego defense mechanism
Ø Defense mechanisms are psychological strategies that help individuals separate from/put distance between themselves/unpleasant events, feelings,/thoughts Common ego defense mechanisms include denial, rationalization, projection, repression, regression,/compartmentalization
v episodic acute stress
Ø Characterized by frequent bouts of acute stress, usually associated w/ taking on too much responsibility
v fight-or-flight response
Ø When a stressful situation is perceived, hypothalamus secretes corticotropin releasing factor (CRF), which activates sympathetic nervous system/signals anterior pituitary gland to secrete adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) release of ACTH by pituitary stimulates adrenal cortex to release hormone cortisol
v general adaptive syndrome (GAS)
Ø The body’s attempt to maintain equilibrium/homeostasis Consists of three stages: alarm, resistance,/exhaustion
v health promotion
Ø The process of enabling clients to↑control over/↑ment of all aspects of their general health
v irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Ø A COMMON gastrointestinal condition characterized by abdominal pain/changes to bowel elimination patterns that can include diarrhea and/or constipation
v posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Ø A prolonged/heightened stress reaction to a traumatic event /SYMPTOMS that lasts more than a month
v Seven-Stage Model of Crisis Intervention
Ø An action plan for nurses to help a client identify precipitating events leading up to a crisis, utilize skills, resources,/available support systems to effectively deal w/ crises/to formulate a plan of care for current/future critical events
v situational stressors
Ø Stress that stems from personal, family,/work-related issues
v socioeconomic stressors
Ø Stress that occurs from factors → poverty, socioeconomic status (SES),/homelessness
v stress
Ø The mental, emotional,/physical response/adaptation to real/perceived changes/challenges Stress response: Initiated by nervous/endocrine systems when a stressor is perceived as a serious threat
v stress-related disorders
Ø Stress-related disorders include acute stress disorder (ASD), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD),/irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
v Transactional Theory of Stress/Coping (TTSC)
Ø Describes stress as a dynamic process/a transaction between a person/their environment How an individual appraises a stressor determines how they will respod to stressor
1 A nurse is assessing a client who is working at home due to COVID-19 restrictions client reports abdominal cramping/bloating w/ diarrhea/states, “I am completely stressed out from working at home” nurse should identify that client is experiencing manifestations of which of following stress-related conditions?
Irritable bowel syndrome
2 A nurse is planning care for a client who is recently divorced w/ two young children client Reports difficulty sleeping, feeling hopeless,/being estranged from family nurse should plan to monitor client for which of following potential manifestations of chronic stress
Suicide
3 A nurse is interviewing a client who recently experienced an act of workplace violence when an Armed person held workers at gunpoint before police intervened client now reports being anxious/fears gunman might return nurse should identify that client is experiencing which of following types of crisis?
Adventitious
4 A nurse in a health clinic is interviewing a client who is upset/reports that their stress “is too much to handle” client is unemployed, a single guardian to young children,/has periodic asthma attacks Which of following stress-related conditions is client experiencing?
Allostatic load
5 A nurse in a community clinic is interviewing a client who is distressed/reports being unable to sleep following a neighborhood fire several days ago client has hypertension, tachycardia,/is diaphoretic nurse should identify that client is experiencing which of following types of stress?
Acute stress
6 A nurse is caring for a client who reports experiencing stress over an upcoming surgical procedure Which of following statements describes characteristics of stress?
body responds to physical, emotional,/environmental changes affecting one’s state of equilibrium
7 A nurse is caring for a client who is in crisis following breakup of a long-term relationship client tells nurse, “I might as well just die My life is over” Which of following actions should nurse take first?
Conduct a suicidal risk evaluation
8 A nurse is assessing a client who was sexually assaulted 6 months ago/has been diagnosed w/ post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Which of following manifestations should nurse expect? (Select all that apply)
Intrusive memories of event
Flashbacks of event
Exaggerated startle response when reminded of event
9 A nurse is providing discharge teaching about health promotion to a client who has a new diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus Which of following instructions should nurse include? (Select all that apply)
Practice mindful breathing
Start each day w/ a to-do list
Develop habits to mitigate stress
10 A nurse is caring for a college student admitted for acute alcohol intoxication client reports feeling overwhelmed/expresses an inability to cope w/ stressors at school Which of following statements should nurse make?
“Let’s talk about coping methods that have worked for you in past”
11 A nurse is caring for a client who has delivered a healthy newborn client tells nurse that while they are somewhat stressed about being a new parent, they are thrilled by birth of their child nurse should identify that client is experiencing which of following types of stress?
Eustress
12 A nurse is caring for a client who has delivered a healthy newborn client is tense, refuses to hold baby,/tells nurse, “I have no idea how to handle having a baby I wish this pregnancy had never happened” Which of following statements should nurse make?
“Becoming a parent is a new experience for you Let’s talk about your concerns”
13 A nurse is caring for a client who has pancreatic cancer that is unresponsive to treatment client is experiencing significant weight loss/fatigue, but when nurse asks how they are feeling, they respond w/, “Great! I’m going to beat this cancer” Which of following defense mechanisms is client using?
Denial
14 A nurse is caring for a client who has migraine headaches/reports that they are “getting worse” Which of following questions should nurse ask client to determine if headaches are a stress-related disorder? (Select all that apply)
“What is intensity of your migraine headaches?”
“How often do migraine headaches occur?”
“What type of support is available to you when you have a migraine headache?”
“What coping strategies do you use when you experience a migraine headache?”
15 A nurse is caring for a client whose partner was recently hospitalized w/ COVID-19 client is experiencing manifestations related to alarm stage of general adaptation syndrome (GAS) For which of following manifestations should nurse monitor? (Select all that apply)
Hypertension
Dilated pupils
↑d state of arousal
16 A nurse is interviewing a client who is in distress/tells nurse, “My ex-partner is suing for full custody of my children I am so worried/don’t know what to do” Which of following questions should nurse ask to evaluate client’s coping skills?
“What strategies have you used in past to deal w/ stress?”
17 A nurse is caring for a client who has been charged w/ partner violence against their spouse client is angry, pacing,/yells out, “I wouldn’t lose my temper if my spouse would just leave me alone It’s their fault” nurse should identify client is displaying which of following defense mechanisms?
Projection
18 A nurse is talking about implementing self-care strategies to cope w/ stress of caregiving w/ partner of a client who has dementia Which of following strategies reported by partner should nurse identify as an EX: of effective coping?
Practicing deep breathing while sitting outside
19 A nurse is conducting an educational session for clients who report experiencing stress-related disorders A client asks nurse which part of body activates stress response Which of following responses should nurse provide?
Hypothalamus
20 A nurse is caring for an older adult client who reports being stressed about their health status due to problems w/ short-term memory, slower reaction times when driving,/urinary frequency nurse should recognize that client is experiencing which of following types of stressors?
Developmental stressors