Chapter 43: Stress, Adaptation, and Coping

Vocabulary flashcards covering stress, stressors, Local Adaptation Syndrome, General Adaptation Syndrome, coping mechanisms, physiological/psychosocial effects of stress, and resilience in nursing.

Stress

A condition in which the human system responds to changes in its normal balanced state, producing both positive and negative effects on the whole body.

Stressor

Anything perceived as challenging, threatening, or demanding that triggers a stress reaction, which can be physiologic or psychosocial.

Adaptation

The change that takes place in response to a stressor as the body attempts to maintain homeostasis.

Local Adaptation Syndrome (LAS)

A localized body response to stress that includes the reflex pain response to prevent injury and the inflammatory response to localize the issue.

Reflex Pain Response

A component of Local Adaptation Syndrome (LAS) designed to prevent injury.

Inflammatory Response

A component of Local Adaptation Syndrome (LAS) designed to localize stress or damage.

General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)

A systemic response to stress consisting of three stages: Alarm Reaction, Stage of Resistance, and Stage of Exhaustion.

Alarm Reaction

The first stage of General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS), which lasts from minutes to hours.

Stage of Resistance

The second stage of General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS), during which the body attempts to adapt to the stressor.

Stage of Exhaustion

The final stage of General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS), occurring when adaptive resources are depleted.

Coping Mechanisms

Learned behaviors based on past experiences, family, and sociocultural influences used to decrease stress and anxiety.

Physiologic Stress Effects

Changes in appetite, activity, or sleep; changes in elimination patterns; and increased pulse, respirations, or blood pressure.

Safety and Security Stress Effects

Feeling threatened or nervous, using ineffective coping mechanisms, and being inattentive.

Love and Belonging Stress Effects

Being withdrawn and isolated, blaming others for own faults, demonstrating aggressive behaviors, or becoming overly dependent on others.

Self-Esteem Stress Effects

Becoming a workaholic or exhibiting attention-seeking behaviors.

Self-Actualization Stress Effects

Refusing to accept reality, centering on one's own problems, and demonstrating a lack of control.

Long-Term Stress Health Conditions

Disorders associated with prolonged stress, such as hypertension, psoriasis, coronary artery disease, depression, and eating disorders.

Resilience

Adapting to difficult situations in a positive manner, avoiding clinician burnout, and maintaining a positive vision for the future.