Chapter 26: Stress and Associated Problems

Flashcards about Stress and Associated Problems.

Stress Response

A generalized or systemic response to a change, internal or external.

Homeostasis

The body's compensation to minor changes in needs or environment; aim is to maintain balance.

Stressor

A factor that creates significant change in body function.

Effects of Severe or Prolonged Stress

Increased wear and tear on tissues, exhaustion of resources, and exacerbation of chronic conditions.

Alarm Stage (GAS)

Mobilization of defenses through the hypothalamus, sympathetic nervous system, and adrenal glands.

Resistance Stage (GAS)

Elevation of hormone levels, with body systems operating at peak performance levels.

Final Stage (GAS)

Resolution or death, depending on the body's ability to cope with the stressor.

Significant Effects of Stress Response

Elevated blood pressure, increased heart rate, bronchodilation, increased ventilation, increased blood glucose levels, arousal of the central nervous system, and decreased inflammatory and immune responses.

Positive Stress (Eustress)

Inspiring, encouraging stress that may promote long-term health and is associated with motivation, efficiency, creativity, attention, and focus.

Negative Stress (Distress)

Stress that causes negative physiological responses.

Technostress (TS)

Stress that results from the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs).

Headache (Stress-Related)

May develop during or after the stress response; can be a sign of built up tension.

Stomatitis

Ulcers in the mouth that can be related to stress.

Prolonged Vasoconstriction (Stress-Related)

Can impair function or cause necrosis in the gastrointestinal tract or kidneys.

Gastrointestinal System Disorders (Stress-Related)

Peptic ulcer, stress ulcers, ulcerative colitis, regional ileitis, nausea, diarrhea, stomatitis, periodontitis.

Nervous System Disorders (Stress-Related)

Multiple sclerosis, seizures, depression, CVA (stroke).

Respiratory System Disorders (Stress-Related)

Asthma

Musculoskeletal System Disorders (Stress-Related)

Rheumatoid arthritis

Cardiovascular System Disorders (Stress-Related)

Hypertension, angina, congestive heart failure

Skin Disorders (Stress-Related)

Herpes simplex, eczema, acne

Urinary System Disorders (Stress-Related)

Acute renal failure, cirrhosis due to alcohol abuse

Renal Failure (Prolonged Stress)

Prolonged severe vasoconstriction leading to ischemia and cell damage.

Stress Ulcers (Prolonged Stress)

Vasoconstriction and glucocorticoids leading to a decrease in mucosal regeneration and mucus production.

Infection (Prolonged Stress)

Depression of the inflammatory and immune responses.

Slowed Healing (Prolonged Stress)

Increased secretion of glucocorticoid, reduction in protein synthesis and tissue regeneration, and increased catecholamine levels causing vasoconstriction.

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Serious consequence of a major disaster or personal threat, potentially leading to drug and/or alcohol dependence.

Coping with Stress

Ensure adequate rest and a healthy diet, use creative solutions to minimize stressors, and engage in regular moderate exercise, distracting activities or counseling