NUR 252: Patho- Stress & Coping

Stress

Physical or psychological tension that threatens homeostasis or psychological equilibrium and requires change or adaptation

Coping

Psychological and behavioral efforts used to manage physical and psychological stress

Homeostasis

presence of an internal state of balance in the body

Allostasis

continual state of fluctuation the body uses to maintain stability

Adaptation

Physiologic and psychologic processes used in response to stress

Stress Response

psychological and physiological response to a perceived threat or challenge

Acute Stress

Short-term stress caused by an immediate stressor

Episodic Acute Stress

Frequent episodes of acute stress occurring over time

Chronic Stress

Long-term stress that continues over an extended period

General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)

A three-stage physiological response to stress consisting of alarm, resistance, and exhaustion

Alarm Stage

Initial reaction to stress when the hypothalamus and sympathetic nervous system are activated, triggering the fight-or-flight response

Resistance Stage

Stage in which the body attempts to adapt to stress through continued hormone release

Exhaustion Stage

Occurs when stress continues and adaptation fails, leading to impaired immunity, organ failure, and possible death

Stress as a Stimulus

A model of stress that focuses on the event itself and how it is interpreted as a threat or challenge

Stress as a Transaction

A model of stress based on individual appraisal and how coping resources interact with the perceived meaning of the event

Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis

A stress-response system where the hypothalamus releases CRH, the pituitary releases ACTH, and the adrenal glands release cortisol

Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone (CRH)

Hormone released by the hypothalamus that stimulates the pituitary gland during stress

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)

Hormone released by the pituitary gland that stimulates the adrenal glands

Cortisol

A glucocorticoid hormone that regulates mood, cognition, sleep, metabolism, immune response, and increases blood glucose during stress

LC/NE System

System that releases catecholamines to stimulate the sympathetic nervous system during stress

Catecholamines

Hormones including epinephrine and norepinephrine that activate the sympathetic nervous system

Norepinephrine

Hormone that regulates blood pressure, promotes arousal and vigilance, and increases anxiety and protective responses

Epinephrine

Hormone that increases heart rate, cardiac output, blood pressure, blood glucose, and oxygen delivery to muscles

Fight-or-Flight Response

Physiological response that prepares the body to confront or escape a stressor

Stress-Age Syndrome

A condition involving neurohormonal, immune, tissue, and cellular changes due to prolonged stress

Physiologic Stress

Stress caused by physical illness or injury affecting body systems

Acute Physiologic Stress

Stress caused by sudden conditions such as trauma, myocardial infarction, or acute pain

Chronic Physiologic Stress

Stress caused by long-term illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, or chronic pain

Psychological Stress

Stress caused by emotional or life events such as death, divorce, or loss of employment

Behavioral Stress

Stress related to behaviors such as substance use or addiction