ATI Fundamentals RN - Psychosocial Concepts for Nursing Practice - Stress and Coping questions with 100% correct answers 2025-2026

When does a stress response occur?

When perceived demands (stress) exceed resources to meet those demands

Parts of the nervous & endocrine system involved in stress response

hypothalamus, SNS, pituitary glands, adrenal glands

Catecholamines released from the SNS during stress response

norepinephrine, epinephrine, dopamine

When does a stress response occur?

When perceived demands (stress) exceed resources to meet those demands

The hormone released by anterior pituitary during the stress response

adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)

the stress hormone

cortisol (released by adrenal glands)

S/S associated w/ fight or flight response

rising hormone levels = increased BP, HR, blood glucose levels, oxygen intake, pupil dilation, mental alertness

S/S of acute stress

irritability, chest tightness, headache, GI disturbance, sweaty palms, SOB

S/S of chronic stress

anxiety, depression, cardiovascular disease, cancer, suicide

S/S of episodic acute stress

short-tempered, irritable, anxious, headaches, HTN, migraines, pessimistic outlook & a negative worldview

examples of complementary & alternative therapies for stress

aromatherapy, herbal medicine, acupuncture, massage, biofeedback, meditation

examples of adventitious stressors

natural disasters, wars & acts of terrorism, interpersonal disasters such physical or sexual assault

name sources of psychological stress

event, situation, comment, condition or interaction that an individual interprets as negative or threatening - work, academic, financial, change in marital status, victim of natural catastrophe

Name sources of physiological stress

injury or illness such as exposure to extreme temperatures, trauma, injury, illness, or pain

steps of nursing process when helping clients cope with stress

assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, evaluation