Resistance Stage of stress
- stabilization
- hormones return to normal
- parasympathetic activity
- adaptation to stressors
- ends in recovery
Alarm reaction
- fight or flight
- adrenal cortex, adrenal medulla
- short term (mins to hrs)
How are the lungs affected during the alarm reaction?
- increased respiratory rate
- shallow breathing
How is the heart affected by the alarm reaction?
- ⬆️ HR and SV (increased cardiac output)
- ⬆️BP, redistribution of blood to vital organs
- peripheral vasoconstriction
How is the liver affected by alarm reaction?
- glycogenolysis
- ⬆️ blood glucose
How is the GI system affected by the alarm reaction?
- ⬇️ secretions and peristalsis
- ⬇️ digestion
How are the muscles affected by the alarm reaction?
⬆️ blood flow to muscles
Exhaustion Stage
- ⬆️ physiological response as noted in the alarm reaction
- ⬇️ energy
- ⬇️adaptation
Stress assessment
- conduct focus assessment
- risk factors, coping skills, stressors
What are you on the lookout for during a stress assessment?
- chest pain
- dysrythmias
- hyperventilation
- headache
- tense muscles
- skin lesions
Nursing interventions
stress
- teach healthy activities (exercise, diet, rest)
- encourage use of support system
- encourage stress management techniques
- provide crisis intervention
What are some stress management techniques?
- relaxation
- meditation
- guided imagery
- biofeedback
- anticipatory guidance
What is the most common response to stress?
anxiety
What is anxiety?
a vague, uneasy feeling of discomfort or dread
- the source of which is unknown/nonspecific
What is stress?
a condition in which the human system responds to changes in its normal balance state
- results from a change in environment that is perceived as a challenge, threat, or danger
Sources of stress
Older adults
- invasive examinations
- diagnosis of chronic illness
- declining mental/physical capabilities
- loss of spouse
- chronic pain
- alcohol abuse
- loss of independence
Examples of internal stressors?
- illness
- hormonal change
- fear
External stressors?
- loud noise
- cold temperature
Biofeedback
type of mind-body technique used to control some body functions (HR, breathing patterns, muscle responses)
