Crisis and Crisis Management

This set of flashcards covers key concepts in crisis and crisis management, addressing definitions, types of crises, phases of crisis development, characteristics, intervention goals, and nursing assessments and interventions.

What is a crisis?

A sudden event that disturbs homeostasis during which normal coping skills cannot resolve the problem.

What are the learning outcomes for crisis management?

Identify types of crisis, describe phases of development, identify goals of intervention, and relate nursing role in crisis.

What are characteristics of a crisis?

Any stressful event, acute, identifiable, unique to each individual, and usually coping mechanisms fail.

What is an example of a situational crisis?

Loss of a job or unexpected serious injury.

What is a developmental crisis based on?

Erikson’s 8 stages of growth and development.

What is an example of an adventitious crisis?

Natural disasters or acts of war.

What defines an existential crisis?

Questioning life purpose or spirituality due to significant life events.

What are the phases of a crisis?

1. Exposure to a stressor; 2. Ineffective coping mechanisms; 3. Using all resources; 4. Possible severe emotional breakdown.

What are 'The Balancing Factors' in crisis management?

Perception of the event, availability of situational supports, and coping mechanisms.

What is the goal of crisis intervention?

Resolution of the immediate crisis.

Name a factor to consider in crisis intervention.

Support system or age/development stage.

What should be prioritized in nursing assessment during a crisis?

Physical injuries should be treated first.

What is an example of a nursing problem in crisis management?

Anxiety or hopelessness.

What is the purpose of planning and implementation in crisis care?

Prioritize care based on threats and assist in problem identification.

What psychological needs should nursing interventions address?

Immediate relief of crisis state and restore functioning.

What is necessary for ongoing evaluation in crisis management?

Crisis resolution and return to normal functioning.

What can precipitate a crisis?

Any stressful event that is acute and overwhelming.

What are outcomes for nursing in crisis management?

Patient will call a support person or attend counseling sessions.

How does a crisis differ from chronic stress?

A crisis is acute and short-term, while chronic stress persists over a long period.

What is meant by 'labile emotions' in crisis response?

Emotions that are unstable and can change rapidly.

Why is assessing the patient's perception of the crisis important?

It helps in understanding how the patient views their situation and what interventions may be effective.

What strategies are used to de-escalate a crisis?

Developing rapport, reducing fear, and providing direction.

What is a key point about crises unique to each individual?

A crisis is not necessarily associated with psychopathology and is subjective.

How can a nurse assist in re-framing the perception of a crisis?

By guiding the patient towards a more realistic perception of their situation.

Why are coping mechanisms important in crisis management?

They are needed to help resolve or manage the crisis effectively.

What role do situational supports play in crisis intervention?

They can provide resources and emotional support to the person in crisis.

What must be assessed regarding a person's mental health in crisis intervention?

Current mental health issues and previous experiences with stress.

What is the importance of problem-solving in crisis intervention?

Immediate problem-solving helps restore functioning and resolve the crisis.

What can a nurse do to help reduce fear during a crisis?

Provide clear information and reassurance to the patient.

How is existential questioning related to crisis?

It can lead to a crisis when individuals reassess their life purpose following significant life events.