Chapter 26
Chapter Overview
Chapter 26 focuses on the concepts of stress and adaptation in human physiology.
Content author: Jennie Bergen, EdD, RNC-OB, CNE, SANE, LNC.
Page 1: Title Page
Title: Stress and Adaptation
Copyright © 2023, Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Page 2: Physical Indications of Fight or Flight Response
Physical symptoms indicative of the body's fight or flight response:
Dilated pupils: Increase in visual capacity and focus on danger.
Trembling: Muscle readiness for action.
Pale or flushed skin: Due to altered blood flow.
Rapid heartbeat and breathing: Increases oxygen supply to muscles.
Page 3: Stress Response
Generalized/Systemic Response: Body's response to change, whether internal or external, aimed at maintaining homeostasis.
Stressor: Any factor causing significant change in body function.
Page 4: Consequences of Severe Stress
Prolonged Stress Effects:
Increased wear and tear on body tissues.
Exhaustion of physiological resources, potentially leading to dysfunction.
Exacerbation of chronic conditions.
Page 5: General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)
Stage 1: Alarm
Initial reaction to stress.
Stage 2: Resistance
Body adapts to stress, with the sympathetic nervous system and hormonal responses activated (e.g., cortisol).
Stage 3: Exhaustion
Depletion of body's resources, leading to potential systemic failure.
Page 6: General Adaptation Syndrome Stages Explained
Alarm Stage:
Involves mobilization of defenses, activated by the hypothalamus and sympathetic nervous system, leading to adrenal gland stimulation.
Resistance Stage:
Sustained hormone levels elevate as body systems function at peak performance.
Final Stage:
Can result in resolution or lead to death if stress persists.
Page 7: Effects of Stress Response
Significant Physical Responses:
Elevated blood pressure and heart rate.
Bronchodilation and increased ventilation in the lungs.
Increased blood glucose levels for energy.
Central nervous system arousal.
Decreased inflammatory and immune responses, increasing vulnerability to disease.
Page 8: Positive Stress
Eustress: A type of positive stress that can be beneficial.
Associated with:
Motivation.
Efficiency.
Creativity.
Improved attention and focus.
Page 9: Negative Stress
Distress: Negative form of stress that leads to adverse physiological responses.
Page 10: Technostress
Definition: Stress linked to the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs).
Prevalence: Increasing due to digitalization; noted more in older individuals.
Page 11: Stress and Disease Links
Health Impacts of Stress:
Increased susceptibility to various conditions:
Asthma.
Colds and flu.
Cardiovascular diseases.
Depression.
Stress ulcers and skin disorders.
Page 12: Specific Health Problems from Stress
Possible Health Complications:
Headaches during or post-stress response.
Oral health issues like stomatitis and periodontal disease from vasoconstriction.
Chronic infections and emotional distress linked to stress response.
Page 13: Effects of Prolonged or Severe Stress (1/2)
Renal Failure Risks:
Caused by prolonged vasoconstriction leading to ischemic damage.
Stress Ulcers:
Result from glucocorticoids and reduced mucosal regeneration.
Higher Infection Risks:
Due to suppressed immune and inflammatory responses.
Page 14: Effects of Prolonged or Severe Stress (2/2)
Delayed Healing:
Trauma or surgical recovery may be impeded due to stress hormones.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD):
Possible outcomes from severe stress, showing symptoms long after the event.
Risk of developing substance dependence due to coping strategies.
Page 15: Coping with Stress
Stress Management Strategies:
Ensure sufficient rest and nutrition.
Employ creative solutions to mitigate stressors.
Engage in regular physical activity.
Participate in enjoyable activities as distractions.
Seek counseling and support services.
Use relaxation techniques to manage responses.