CH 4 Stress, Exercise, and Immobility

What is eustress?

Stress that stimulates a person positively.

What is distress?

Stress that stimulates a person negatively.

What physical response occurs during acute stress?

Heart rate increases, lungs expand, concentration increases, and reaction time/strength increase.

What is chronic stress?

Prolonged activation of the stress response to a perceived threat that does not abate rapidly.

What are some health issues linked to chronic stress?

Diminished immunity, cancer, heart disease, depression, and other illnesses.

What does Selye's Stress Response Theory propose?

Stress response involves neural, endocrine, and immune responses with three stages: Alarm, Resistance, and Exhaustion.

What happens during the Alarm Stage of stress response?

Activation of the CNS, SNS, and adrenal glands leading to increased alertness, heart and respiratory rate, and pupil dilation.

What hormone is released by the adrenal cortex during the Alarm Stage?

Cortisol, which increases blood glucose and enhances muscle strength.

What occurs in the Resistance Stage of stress response?

The body staves off the stressor through continued hormonal release; if the stressor persists, the body moves to the Exhaustion Stage.

What characterizes the Exhaustion Stage of stress response?

The body's response to the stressor cannot be maintained, leading to feelings of being rundown and overwhelmed.

What is allostasis?

A dynamic state of balance in response to stressors.

What is allostatic load?

Wear and tear on body systems caused by stress reactions.

What can cause allostatic overload?

When stress exceeds the body's ability to adapt, leading to pathophysiological disorders.

Name a common stress-related disorder.

General anxiety disorder.

What are some lifestyle practices for stress treatment?

Exercise, psychotherapy, meditation, yoga, and stress management programs.

What role does serotonin play in stress?

Serotonin levels are depleted in stress, leading to GI upset and lack of calmness.

What is the typical recommendation for exercise to reduce stress?

40 minutes of exercise 3-4 days per week.

What are the cardiovascular benefits of exercise?

Increased coronary blood flow, angiogenesis, lowering of blood pressure, and decreased inflammation.

What are the harmful effects of immobility on the circulatory system?

Increased risk for edema, blood clots (DVT), and pulmonary embolism.

What happens to the musculoskeletal system due to inactivity?

Decreased muscle strength, contractures, and increased risk of pathological fractures.

What are decubitus ulcers?

Pressure sores that may develop over bony prominences due to immobility.

What is a key psychosocial effect of immobility?

May lead to heightened anxiety, depression, and decreased cognitive abilities.

What is the role of tryptophan in stress management?

Tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin and helps facilitate serotonin uptake in the brain.

How does prolonged bed rest affect the pulmonary system?

It reduces lung volumes and ventilation, increasing the risk for atelectasis.

What is the effect of immobility on the renal system?

Urinary stasis and increased risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs).

What is the importance of proper body alignment in immobile patients?

To prevent joint flexion contractures and maintain comfort.

What is the impact of chronic stress on the immune system?

Long-term cortisol suppresses the immune system, increasing the risk for infections.