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Homeostasis,

Stress and
Adaptation

Homeostasis

Physiologic Homeostasis

4 components of
homeostasis
1.

2.
3.

4.

Self-regulation: automatic
homeostasis
Compensatory
Regulated by negative feedback
mechanisms
Requires several feedback
mechanisms to correct only one
physiologic imbalance

Psychologic Homeostasis

FEEDBACK
The

mechanism by which some of the


output of a system as input.

Negative feedback
Inhibits

change

Positive feedback

Stimulates change

STRESS
Is

a condition in which the


person responds to changes
in the normal balanced state.

Stressor

Sources of stressors

Coping
a

problem solving process


that the person uses to
manage the stresses or
events with which he/she
is presented.

Adaptation
the

process by which
human system modifies
itself to conform to the
environment. It is a change
that results from response
to stress.

Stress Characteristics
Universal
It

provides a stimulus for


growth and change

Effects of stress on the


body
Physical:

affects physiologic
homeostasis
Emotional: affects feelings towards self
Social: alters relationships with others
Intellectual: influences perception and
problem solving activities
Spiritual: Affects ones belief and values

Response-based Model

Hans Selye:
The nonspecific response of
the body to any kind of
demand made upon it.
Eustress: has ________ effects
Distress: has ________ effects

General Adaptation Syndrome


The

bodys global adaptation


The response of the body
which occurs with the release
of certain adaptive hormones
and subsequent changes in
the structure and chemical
composition of the body.

Local Adaptation
Syndrome
Bodys

local reaction
One organ or part of the
body reacts alone

3 Stages of GAS and LAS


1.

Stage of ALARM-initial
reaction
A.

Shock Phase: stressor may


be perceived consciously or
unconsciously by the person
The Fight or Flight Response

3 Stages of GAS and LAS


2.

Stage of Resistance:

The

bodys adaptation takes


place.
The body attempts to cope with
the stressor and to limit the
stressor to the smallest area of
the body that can deal with it.

3 Stages of GAS and LAS


3.

Stage of Exhaustion
Disorganized thougth
Hallucinations
decreased immune
system

The Fight-or-Flight Response


STRESSOR
Sympathetic System

HYPOTHALAMUS

SYMPATHETIC
NERVOUS SYSTEM

ADRENAL
MEDULLA

Neural impulses activate


various glands and
smooth muscles

Adrenal-Cortical System

ADRENAL
CORTEX

PITUITARY
GLAND

Stress hormones carried via


blood stream to relevant
organs and muscles

FIGHT-OR-FLIGHT

Psychologic Response to
Stress

Coping strategies

A
A
A

4 levels of Anxiety
1.

Mild: Increased questioning


Mild restlessness
Sleeplessness
Feelings of increased arousal
and alertness
Uses learning to ADAPT

4 levels of Anxiety
2.

Moderate:

Voice

tremors/pitch changes
Facial twitches
Increased muscle tension
Narrowed focus of attention
Learning slightly impaired
Slightly increased RR and HR
Mild gastric symptoms

4 levels of Anxiety
3.

Severe:

Communication

difficult to understand
Increased motor activity, inability to relax
Fearful facial expression
Easily distracted
Learning severely impaired
Tachycardia, hyperventilation
Headache, dizziness, nausea

4 levels of Anxiety
4.

Panic

Not

understandable
Agitation
Perception distorted or exaggerated
Unable to learn or function
Dyspnea, palpitations
Choking, chest pain
Feeling of impending doom
Paresthesia, sweating

Results of Adaptation to Stress:

Optimal functioning in all


dimensions
Normal growth and development
Normal reactions to physical and
emotional stress
Ability to tolerate changing
situations

Examples of Stress Management


Techniques:

Relaxation
Deep breathing
Progressive muscle relaxation
Meditation
Anticipatory guidance
Guided imagery
Biofeedback

Teaching Healthy Activities of Daily


Living:

Exercise
Rest and sleep
Nutrition
Use of support systems
Use of stress management
techniques

Providing Crisis Intervention:


Identify

the problem
List alternatives
Choose from among
alternatives
Implement the plan
Evaluate the outcome

Stress in the Nursing Profession:


(Burnout)

Having to assume responsibilities


for which one is not prepared
Working with unqualified personnel
Working in a nonsupportive
environment
Caring for a patient during cardiac
arrest or death
Experiencing conflict with peers

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