Stress and CSIM Flashcards
What is a demand?
Any threat, demand or challenge that requires the body to adapt
Anxiety and Stress
Stress results from the interaction of events (environmental stimuli) and the adjustive capabilities of the individual
– Usually seen as generaying negative affect (fear, depression, guilt, etc.)
– Also experienced with positive events
Stress
Anxiety is uneasiness or dread about future uncertainties
Eustress
– Good Stress
– response to positive stimuli
– i.e. Working Out, jogging
Distress
– Bad Stress is harmful
– a negative response to an environmental stimulus
Types of Stress (Environmental)
– Weather
– Confined space
– Lightning
Types of stress (Psychological)
– Family relationships
– Relationships with other personnel
– Intoxicated patients
Types of Stress (Personality)
– Guilt
– The need to be liked
The “Pile up Effect”
- Usually one stressor alone is not sufficient to create a major stress response
- Cumulative effect of many small stressors
The Comfort Zone
Stress caused by boredom
Phases of the stress response
– Alarm reaction
– Resistance
– Exhaustion
Alarm Reaction
“Fight or flight” phenomenon
– Occurs when any emergency situation threatens one’s safety or comfort
– Is considered positive (eustress)
– Prepares the individual to be alert and to defend himself or herself
Resistance
- Stress response raises the level of resistance to the agent that provokes it and others like it
- If the stress persists, a person’s reactions to the stress may change
- Example: As you become accustomed to emergency response with lights and sirens, the alarm reaction is no longer elicited to the same degree
Exhaustion
- As stress continues, coping mechanisms are exhausted
- Adaptive resources used
- Resistance to all stressors declines
- Increased susceptibility to physical and psychological ailments
- Rest and recovery are needed
Factors that Trigger the Stress Response
Many factors can trigger the stress response. Examples include: – Loss of something that is of value – Injury or threat of injury – Poor health or nutrition – Frustration – Ineffective coping skills
Stress Reactions
Catecholamine release…
– Heart rate, respiratory rate and BP increase
– Perfusion to Skin, GI, and Renal decrease
– Level of Awareness improves…
– Increase in sugar, fats, cholesterol (energy)
Physiological and Psychological Effects of Stress
- Normal anxiety
* Detrimental reactions to anxiety/stress
Physical Effects of Anxiety and Stress
• Person may be aware of:
– Heart palpitations – Difficult /rapid breathing – Dry mouth – Chest tightness or pain – Anorexia – Flushing, diaphoresis – Frequent urination – Dysmenorrhea – Aching muscles and joints – Backache, headache
Physical Effects of Anxiety and Stress
Person may be unaware of:
– Increased blood pressure and heart rate – Blood shunting to muscles – Increased blood glucose – Increased adrenalin – Reduced gastrointestinal peristalsis – Pupillary dilation
Warning Signs and Symptoms of Stress
- Physical
- Emotional
- Cognitive
- Behavioral
Stress Symptoms (Physical)
– Fatigue – Headache, stiff neck, muscle aches – Insomnia – Heart palpitations, chest pains, abdominal cramps – Cold extremities, flushing/sweating – Frequent colds.
Stress Symptoms (Emotional)
– Anxiety, depression
– Nervousness
– Anger, frustration, worry, fear, irritability, impatience, short temper
Stress Symptoms (Cognitive)
– Decreased concentration/memory
– Indecisiveness
– Mind racing/going blank
– Loss of Sense of humor
Stress Symptoms (Behavioural)
– Pacing, fidgeting, nervous habits
– Crying, yelling, swearing, blaming
– Throwing things, eating, smoking, drinking