Physiological and Psychological Responses to Stress

In the Fight-flight response: The heart beats more rapidly, pumping more blood. Blood flow to muscles increases, while blood flow to organs decreases. Blood pressure rises.

True

1 multiple choice option

Psychological and/or physiological response to an internal or external stressor.

Stress

1 multiple choice option

An event, situation, or condition that results in psychological or physical stress. These can be internal (in the individual) or external (outside the individual).

Stressor

1 multiple choice option

How can repeated or excessive stress impact an individual's physical and mental well-being over time?

A) It can improve their physical fitness.

B) It can leave them feeling overwhelmed and unable to cope.

C) It has no significant effect.

D) It can enhance their mental resilience.

B

What factors influence an individual's ability to cope with stress, and how might these factors vary from person to person?

A) Genetics, personality, social or support systems, environment, economic circumstances, and experience of traumatic events during early development.

B) Only their economic circumstances.

C) Just their environment.

D) Solely their personality traits.

A

A nurse is teaching a patient about the body's response to stress. Which of the following statements by the patient indicates an understanding of the concept of resilience?

A) "Stress always has a negative impact on my health and well-being."

B) "Resilience helps me adjust to new situations and develop a positive outlook."

C) "Avoiding all stress is the best way to maintain my mental health."

D) "Experiencing stress means I am not able to cope with challenges."

B

A client is repeatedly exposed to stress over a period of time leaving them no opportunity to recover

Chronic Stress

3 multiple choice options

A stress response can occur when someone thinks or experiences a stressor?

True

1 multiple choice option

What part of the brain is responsible for releasing cortisol?

Hypothalamus

3 multiple choice options

When the perceived threat is gone, the __________ tells all affected body systems to go back to normal

(equilibrium)

Hypothalamus

3 multiple choice options

occurs when an event or stressor threatens the body and activates a three-stage response

GAS (General Adaptation Syndrome)

The patient is experiencing the following: Anger, aggression, stomping, kicking, punching, stomach in knots, nausea, vomiting

A.) Fight

B.) Faint

C.) Flight

D.) Freeze

E.) Fawn

A

The patient is experiencing the following: Anxiety & feeling trapped, tension, wide eyes, restlessness, fidgeting

A.) Fight

B.) Faint

C.) Flight

D.) Freeze

E.) Fawn

C

The patient is experiencing the following: Dread, heart pounding, numbness, pallor, holding breath

A.) Fight

B.) Faint

C.) Flight

D.) Freeze

E.) Fawn

D

The patient is experiencing the following: self-directed anger, lack of boundaries, feeling no identity, trying to please aggressors, ignoring own desires

A.) Fight

B.) Faint

C.) Flight

D.) Freeze

E.) Fawn

E

The patient is experiencing the following: changes in vision, feelings lightheaded, blacking out, falling

A.) Fight

B.) Faint

C.) Flight

D.) Freeze

E.) Fawn

B

The initial, brief, and adaptive response to the stressor. In this stage shock is possible

- decrease in BP, temp, muscle tone, bodily fluids thru urination / vomit

Alarm Stage (Acute)

2 multiple choice options

Described as when the body attempts to adapt to the stressor

the person remains alert & prepared to respond for self-protection

The Resistance Stage

2 multiple choice options

At this stage the body depleted all resources and can no longer adapt to the stressor. body tissues & organs are depleted and can result in illness, disease, death

The exhaustion stage

2 multiple choice options

What would be the appropriate care plan for a client in the moderate anxiety phase?

Give one task at a time and no education to the client

1 multiple choice option

Adaptative use of defense mechanisms help people to achieve their goals in acceptable ways and reduce anxiety

True

1 multiple choice option

This level of anxiety is precipitated by an imminent loss or change that threatens ones sense of security "sudden death of a loved one"

Acute Anxiety

1 multiple choice option

This level of anxiety is developed over a period of time usually starting at childhood. Might display anxiety in physical manifestations (fatigue, frequent, HA)

Chronic Anxiety

1 multiple choice option

A pediatric client is experiencing s/sx of toxic stress such as somatic symptoms like GI discomfort, body aches, shortness of breath. What is most likely the cause?

Adverse Childhood Experiences (neglect, violence, economic hardships)

2 multiple choice options

occurs in normal everyday life, ones ability to perceive reality is increased. There is an identifiable cause of the anxiety

Feelings: discomfort, irritability, impatience

tension relieving behaviors: finger/foot tapping, fidgeting, lip-chewing

A.) Mild Anxiety

B.) Moderate Anxiety

C.) Severe Anxiety

D.) Panic-level

A

Slightly reduce perception & processing of information occurs. Ability to think clearly is hampered. difficulty concentrating, pacing, change in voice sounds, increased RR & HR

Client benefits from direction of others

A.) Mild Anxiety

B.) Moderate Anxiety

C.) Severe Anxiety

D.) Panic-level

B

Perceptual field is greatly reduced with distorted perceptions. Learning & problem solving do not occur. Confusion, impending doom, hyperventilation, tachycardia, loud and rapid speech

not able to take direction from others

A.) Mild Anxiety

B.) Moderate Anxiety

C.) Severe Anxiety

D.) Panic-level

C

Not able to process what is occurring in the environment & can lose touch with reality. Experiences extreme fright & horror, severe hyperactivity, flight, or immobility. Dysfunction in speech, dilated pupils, server shakiness, delusions, and hallucinations

A.) Mild Anxiety

B.) Moderate Anxiety

C.) Severe Anxiety

D.) Panic-level

D

Which nursing intervention corresponds to the correct level of anxiety?

Use active listening & specific communication techniques (open-ended questions, giving broad openings, exploring, and seeking clarification). Evaluate past coping mechanisms, encourage participation in actives like exercise

Mild to Moderate anxiety

1 multiple choice option

Which nursing intervention corresponds to the correct level of anxiety?

Provide a environment that meets the safety and physical needs of the patient. Remain with the patient. Provide a quiet & low stimulation environment. Medications & restraints may be needed, speak in a low pitched voice and slow.

Severe to Panic level anxiety

1 multiple choice option