A nurse is leading a group family therapy session for a mother, father, and two adolescent siblings. Which of the following statements should the nurse recognize as an example of effective communication among family members?

The correct answer is: A, D, E, and F.

Choice A reason:

Muscular tension, blood pressure, and triglycerides increase. Long-term stress can lead to chronic muscle tension, elevated blood pressure, and increased triglyceride levels. Chronic muscle tension is a common response to prolonged stress, often resulting in pain and discomfort. Elevated blood pressure is a well-documented effect of chronic stress, which can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Increased triglycerides are also associated with prolonged stress, contributing to metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risk.

Choice B reason:

Epinephrine is released, increasing heart and respiratory rates. This response is more characteristic of acute stress rather than long-term stress. Epinephrine (adrenaline) is released during the “fight-or-flight” response, causing immediate increases in heart rate and respiratory rate. However, this is a short-term physiological response and not typically sustained over long periods.

Choice C reason:

Corticosteroid release increases stamina and impedes digestion. While corticosteroids like cortisol are released during stress, their primary long-term effect is not to increase stamina but to manage energy by increasing blood glucose levels through gluconeogenesis. Chronic cortisol release can indeed impede digestion by diverting energy away from non-essential functions like the digestive system.

Choice D reason:

Cortisol is released, increasing gluconeogenesis and reducing fluid loss. Cortisol, a key stress hormone, is released during long-term stress and increases gluconeogenesis, which is the production of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources. This helps maintain energy levels during prolonged stress. Cortisol also helps in reducing fluid loss by promoting sodium retention in the kidneys.

Choice E reason:

Immune system functioning decreases, and risk of cancer increases. Chronic stress can suppress the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections and diseases. Prolonged immune suppression can also increase the risk of cancer as the body’s ability to detect and destroy abnormal cells is compromised.

Choice F reason:

Risk of depression, autoimmune disorders, and heart disease increases. Long-term stress is linked to an increased risk of depression and other mental health disorders due to the continuous release of stress hormones affecting brain function. It can also trigger autoimmune disorders by causing chronic inflammation and dysregulation of the immune system. Additionally, the persistent high levels of stress hormonees can lead to heart disease by promoting hypertension and other cardiovascular issues.

Choice A Reason:
Offering false reassurance occurs when a nurse or healthcare provider dismisses a patient's concerns with general comforting statements without addressing the reality of the situation or the patient's feelings. In this case, the nurse's response of "Don't worry, no one will harm your family" is an attempt to alleviate the patient's anxiety without acknowledging the patient's fear or providing a realistic plan to ensure the safety of the patient's family. This type of communication can undermine trust and prevent the patient from feeling heard and supported.

Choice B Reason:
Offering sympathy involves sharing feelings of pity or sorrow for someone else's misfortune. While the nurse's response may seem sympathetic, it does not directly express shared emotions or an understanding of the patient's distress. Therefore, it does not represent offering sympathy as a communication breakdown in this context.

Choice C Reason:
Providing a passive response would involve the nurse not actively engaging with the patient's concerns or failing to provide any response. Since the nurse in the scenario does respond to the patient's statement, this does not constitute a passive response.

Choice D Reason:
Showing disapproval would involve the nurse expressing judgment or criticism of the patient's feelings or actions. The nurse's response does not contain elements of judgment or criticism; rather, it is an attempt to reassure the patient, albeit falsely.