Homeostasis, Stress and Adaptation

Homeostasis

Physiologic Homeostasis

4 components of homeostasisSelf-regulation: automatic homeostasisCompensatoryRegulated by negative feedback mechanismsRequires several feedback mechanisms to correct only one physiologic imbalance

Psychologic Homeostasis

FEEDBACKThe mechanism by which some of the output of a system as input.

Negative feedbackInhibits change Positive feedbackStimulates change

STRESSIs a condition in which the person responds to changes in the normal balanced state.

Stressor

Sources of stressors

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

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

Stress CharacteristicsUniversalIt provides a stimulus for growth and change

Effects of stress on the bodyPhysical: affects physiologic homeostasisEmotional: affects feelings towards selfSocial: alters relationships with othersIntellectual: influences perception and problem solving activitiesSpiritual: Affects ones belief and values

Response-based ModelHans Selye:The nonspecific response of the body to any kind of demand made upon it.Eustress: has ________ effectsDistress: has ________ effects

General Adaptation SyndromeThe bodys global adaptationThe 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 SyndromeBodys local reactionOne organ or part of the body reacts alone

3 Stages of GAS and LAS1. Stage of ALARM-initial reactionA. Shock Phase: stressor may be perceived consciously or unconsciously by the person

The Fight or Flight Response

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 thougthHallucinations decreased immune system

3 Stages of GAS and LAS

The Fight-or-Flight ResponseSTRESSORHYPOTHALAMUSSYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEMPITUITARYGLANDADRENAL MEDULLAADRENAL CORTEXNeural impulses activate various glands andsmooth musclesStress hormones carried via blood stream to relevant organs and musclesFIGHT-OR-FLIGHTSympathetic SystemAdrenal-Cortical System

Psychologic Response to Stress

Coping strategiesAAA

4 levels of Anxiety1. Mild: Increased questioning Mild restlessness Sleeplessness Feelings of increased arousal and alertness Uses learning to ADAPT

2. Moderate: Voice tremors/pitch changesFacial twitchesIncreased muscle tensionNarrowed focus of attentionLearning slightly impairedSlightly increased RR and HRMild gastric symptoms

4 levels of Anxiety

3. Severe:Communication difficult to understandIncreased motor activity, inability to relaxFearful facial expressionEasily distractedLearning severely impairedTachycardia, hyperventilationHeadache, dizziness, nausea4 levels of Anxiety

4. PanicNot understandableAgitationPerception distorted or exaggeratedUnable to learn or functionDyspnea, palpitationsChoking, chest painFeeling of impending doomParesthesia, sweating

4 levels of Anxiety

Results of Adaptation to Stress:Optimal functioning in all dimensionsNormal growth and developmentNormal reactions to physical and emotional stressAbility to tolerate changing situations

Examples of Stress Management Techniques:RelaxationDeep breathingProgressive muscle relaxationMeditationAnticipatory guidanceGuided imageryBiofeedback

Teaching Healthy Activities of Daily Living:ExerciseRest and sleepNutritionUse of support systemsUse of stress management techniques

Providing Crisis Intervention:Identify the problemList alternativesChoose from among alternativesImplement the planEvaluate the outcome

Stress in the Nursing Profession: (Burnout)Having to assume responsibilities for which one is not preparedWorking with unqualified personnelWorking in a nonsupportive environmentCaring for a patient during cardiac arrest or deathExperiencing conflict with peers

The tendency of the body to maintain a state of balance or equilibrium while continually changing.

*The internal environment of the body is relatively stable and constant

*Refers to emotional balance or a state of mental well-beingAcquired or learned through the experiencing of living and interacting with others.

*Any event or stimulus that causes an individual to experience stress.

*Internal stressors:originate within the person

External stressors:Originate outside the individual

*ANXIETY*Alter the stressorAdapt to the stressorAvoid the stressor

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