Module 2 - Stress

Stress

Occurs when an individual's status is altered due to their reaction to a stressor

Homeostasis

The maintenance of a relatively stable internal environment despite external changes

Allostasis

The process by which the body maintains stability by changing its internal parameters in response to environmental demands and stress

Allostatic Load

The cumulative wear and tear, or the "price," the body pays for adapting to stress over time

General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)

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

Alarm Stage

The immediate reaction to a threat where the Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) and HPA axis are activated to mobilize body defenses

Resistance Stage

The phase where a stressor continues and the body attempts to adapt while keeping energy mobilized through elevated hormone levels

Exhaustion Stage

The final phase occurring when adaptive mechanisms fail, energy reserves are depleted, and susceptibility to disease increases

Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS)

The fast-acting stress pathway that prepares the body for immediate "fight or flight" action within seconds

HPA Axis

The body's slower, longer-lasting stress response system involving the Hypothalamus, Pituitary gland, and Adrenal cortex

Epinephrine

A hormone from the adrenal medulla that increases heart rate, opens airways, and mobilizes glucose for a widespread "group announcement" response

Norepinephrine

A catecholamine that primarily causes systemic vasoconstriction to maintain blood pressure and blood flow to vital organs

Cortisol

A glucocorticoid from the adrenal cortex that increases blood glucose, mobilizes energy, and suppresses immune and inflammatory activity

Aldosterone

Often called the "save salt and water" hormone, it promotes sodium and water retention to increase blood volume

Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)

A hormone that promotes water reabsorption in the kidneys to increase blood volume and support blood pressure

Maladaptive Coping

Unhealthy or harmful responses to stress that interfere with normal function and can lead to disease or injury

Stress Ulcers

Erosions of the gastric mucosa caused by stress-induced increased acid production and reduced mucosal blood flow

Hypertension

Consistently high blood pressure that can be caused or worsened by chronic SNS activation and aldosterone-driven fluid retention

Hyperglycemia

Elevated blood glucose levels, often a result of cortisol-driven gluconeogenesis during the stress response

Chronic Stress and Immunity

The state where prolonged cortisol elevation causes atrophy of lymphoid tissue and reduces white blood cell productionWhat occurs when an individual's status is altered due to their reaction to a stressor?

What is the maintenance of the internal environment although changes occur externally?

Homeostasis

By what process does the body maintain stability by changing its internal parameters in response to environmental demands and stress?

Allostasis

What is the three-stage physiological response to stress as it attempts to adapt and maintain homeostasis?

General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)

Which stage involves an immediate reaction when a threat is detected and activates the SNS and HPA axis?

Alarm stage

In which stage do hormone levels remain elevated to keep energy mobilized as the stressor continues?

Resistance stage

Which stage occurs when the body's adaptive mechanisms can no longer meet the demand of prolonged stress?

Exhaustion stage

Which hormone is released by the adrenal medulla to increase heart rate, cause bronchodilation, and mobilize glucose?

Epinephrine

Which hormone provides a rapid response in the nervous system and primarily causes systemic vasoconstriction?

Norepinephrine

Which hormone increases blood sugar through gluconeogenesis but can cause atrophy of lymphoid tissue if prolonged?

Cortisol

What hormone is released from the hypothalamus in response to decreased blood volume to reabsorb water?

ADH (Antidiuretic Hormone)

Which hormone promotes sodium and water retention in the kidneys and is stimulated by the renin-angiotensin system?

Aldosterone

What term describes unhealthy or harmful responses to stress that interfere with normal function?

Maladaptive coping

What is the mechanism where the body increases heart rate and contractility to maintain homeostasis during stress?

Cardiovascular Stimulation

Why does stress contribute to peptic ulcer disease?

Reduced mucosal blood flow and blood shunting

Why is chronic stress harmful to immune function?

Prolonged elevation of cortisol suppresses defense mechanisms

What helps nurses interpret physiological data and anticipate potential complications?

Understanding the stress response