Mental Health, stress, coping, loss, dying, death and grief Flashcards
What is resilience?
the strength to cope with change, stress, problems, challenges, hardship and loss
What will nurses assess for?
Self concept
coping skills
stressor
history of past and present loss
compassionate care of dying patient
dignified post morterm care
What is the comparison between stress and self concept?
self esteem determines how a person may react to stressors and cope with it
individuals with low self esteem react to stressors in a more intense manner
which lab result will be high when we are stressed?
Cortisol levels will be extremely high. There will be high levels
What is stress?
the body response to change in its normal perceived balanced state perceived threat
What are the 2 types of stressors
Physiological and psychosocial
Physiologic stress
an altercation in the normal body structure and function. affects the body
Psychosocial stress
Affects the mind
Give some example of psychosocial stress
-traumatic experiences
-horrors of history
-fear of aggression or mutilation: muggings
Physical s/s short term stress
-Muscle tension
-Headache
-Increased bp
-Sweating
-Dry mouth
-Heart palpitation or irregular heartbeat
-Increased incidents of infection
-Skin rashes
-Stomachache, constipation, or diarrhea
Emotional/Cognitive
s/s short term stress
-nervousness or anxiety
-anger or irritability
-inability to concentrate or forgetfulness
-depression, fatigue, withdrawl
-being overwhelmed
-sleep pattern disturbance
-eating habits change
-alcohol or drug use increase
Cognitive s/s of long term stress
-Problems with concentrating, learning, thinking and memory
-Decrease self-confidence and increased negativity
-Inhibited decision making and constant worrying
Emotional s/s long term stress
-Low morale, guilt and unhappiness
-feeling hopeless/helpless and depressed
-feeling apprehensive, anxious, or nervous
-irritability, agitation, moodiness, inability to relax, unhappiness
Physical s/s long term stress
-head, muscle, and stomach pain
-GI: nausea, diarrhea, vomiting
-change in vitals signs and weigh, stiff neck or jaw
-fatigue and loss of sex drive
-sexual problems
-forgetfulness and lack of energy/focus
Behavioral s/s long term stress
-insomnia or sleeping too much
-stress eating or bingeing
-loss of sex drive
-social withdrawal and increase in nervous habits
-abnormal use of caffeine, cigs, alcohol etc
-decline in work performance
-family responsibilities are neglected
How might chronic stress affect mental health
-anxiety, depression, obesity
-substance abuse and sleep problems
How might chronic stress affect physical diseases or conditions
-Respiratory problems asthma
-neuro problems
-CVA
what’s important to remember with chronic stress
- Certain illnesses are exacerbated
-asthma, peptic ulcer, arthritis, CHD, diabetes, HTN, CAD, migraines
What are examples of maladaptive coping mechanisms
-Bullying or aggressive behavior
-compartmentalization
-denial, dependency and displacement
-emotional outburst: crying
-lack of eye contact, cursing, smoking
-limit relations with those similar in values and interest
-overreacting
-regression or rationalism
-self-harm and substance abuse
-sensationalizing
-sleeping too much or too little
-violence
Positive coping mechanism
-self care
-problem solving: to-do list
-expressing distress and distancing self from stress or the stressor
-ignoring self harm impulses
-limiting caffeine and alcohol
-music, art and, massage therapy
-praying and counseling
-education and medication
-recreational technique and activity
As a nurse self care exercises can you recommend for your patient?
-exercise
-healthy diet: avoid caffeine
-sleeping 6-8 hours a night
-deep breathing exercise
-managing triggers
-asking for help
engaging in support systems
What is anxiety
a vague, uneasy feeling of discomfort or dread, the source of which is often unknown or nonspecific
What are the 4 categories of stress?
-mild
-moderate
-severe
-panic
Mild anxiety
Facilitates with problem solving
Presented in day to day activities
manifested by restlessness and increased questioning
Moderate anxiety
Perceptual fields narrowed so that focus on immediate concerns, with inattention to other communication and details.
Voice tremors, butterflies in stomach etc
Severe anxiety
Perceived fear of danger with emotional stress.
Manifested with fear of danger that is not real.
Difficulty communicating verbally, increased motor activity, a fearful facial expression, headache. nausea, vomiting etc
Anxiety is no longer functioning as a signal for danger but a need for change
Panic
-Disorganized state
-Increased physical activity, loss of rational thought
what are the 5 step techniques used to promote adaptive outcomes, reestablish equilibrium, and improve the patients ability to cope with future crisis?
- identify the problem
- list alternatives
- choose one of the alternatives
- implement the plan
- evaluate the outcome
What is the nurse priority intervention ?
To maintain physical and psychological safety
What are the other considerations for a crisis intervention plan
- Must be individualized
-Source of stress must be identified
-Must assist with managing higher levels of stress
When does stress become a crisis?
when there is no positive mechanisms or stress management strategies
If stress is not managed what can occur?
anxiety
What is loss?
a negatively perceived event that has long term effects on the person way of life, social situation, relationships and of seeing the world and themselves
basically losing something that is of great value to you
Actual loss
Can be recognized by the person and others
Others can ACTUALLY see it
losing a limb, a child, a valued object etc