The nurse recognizes that chronic stress can lead to a variety of illnesses in a patient. This is primarily because:
chronic stress changes genetic structure.
physiologic responses that were originally adaptive become maladaptive over time.
the patient experiences a deficit of available corticosteroids and catecholamines
the patient loses psychologic energy while worrying about stress.
The Correct Answer is B
B. This statement aligns with the concept of allostatic load, which refers to the cumulative physiological toll that chronic stress places on the body over time. Initially, the body's stress response system (the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the sympathetic nervous system) is designed to help individuals cope with acute stressors. However, when stress becomes chronic, these physiological responses can become dysregulated and maladaptive, leading to negative health outcomes such as cardiovascular disease, immune dysfunction, and mental health disorders.
A. Chronic stress has been associated with various changes in gene expression and epigenetic modifications. However, these changes typically occur over longer periods and are not the primary mechanism by which chronic stress leads to illness in most cases.
C. Chronic stress can lead to dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the sympathetic nervous system, which are responsible for producing and regulating corticosteroids (such as cortisol) and catecholamines (such as adrenaline and noradrenaline). While acute stress typically results in increased production of these stress hormones, chronic stress can lead to desensitization and dysregulation of these systems, resulting in alterations in hormone levels and potential deficits in the availability of these stress mediators. However, deficits in corticosteroids and catecholamines are not the sole mechanism by which chronic stress leads to illness.
D. While chronic stress can certainly contribute to psychological fatigue and depletion of energy reserves, this is not the primary mechanism by which chronic stress leads to illness. The physiological responses to chronic stress, such as dysregulation of stress hormones, inflammation, and oxidative stress, are more directly linked to the development of various illnesses.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D","E"]
Explanation
A. A healthy stoma should appear moist and shiny, indicating adequate blood supply and hydration of the tissue. Dryness or dullness of the stoma may indicate poor blood flow or dehydration and should be further evaluated.
B. A healthy stoma typically appears deep pink to red in color, indicating good tissue perfusion. Pallor or cyanosis of the stoma may indicate inadequate blood supply and should be assessed promptly.
C. The skin around the stoma, known as the peristomal skin, should be intact, without signs of irritation, redness, or tenderness. Irritation or breakdown of the peristomal skin can occur due to leakage of stool or irritation from ostomy appliances and should be addressed promptly to prevent skin complications.
D. A flat abdomen suggests normal abdominal contour without distention or bulging. Distention or bulging of the abdomen may indicate underlying issues such as bowel obstruction, gas accumulation, or fluid retention and should be assessed further.
E. Bowel sounds are indicative of gastrointestinal motility and function. Normal bowel sounds are present and audible in healthy individuals and are characterized by 8 to 10 clicks or gurgles per minute. Absence or abnormal bowel sounds may indicate bowel obstruction, ileus, or other gastrointestinal disorders and should be assessed further.
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D"]
Explanation
B. Increased mental acuity, or heightened alertness and cognitive function, is a characteristic response during the alarm stage of GAS. The body's stress response enhances mental focus and perception to help the individual recognize and respond to the stressor effectively.
C. During the alarm stage of GAS, the sympathetic nervous system is activated, leading to the release of adrenaline (epinephrine) and norepinephrine. These hormones stimulate the kidneys to conserve water and sodium, leading to decreased urine output and increased urine retention. Therefore, increased urine retention is an expected physiologic manifestation in the alarm stage.
D. During the alarm stage, the sympathetic nervous system activation leads to bronchodilation, allowing for increased airflow to the lungs. This facilitates improved oxygenation of the blood and enhances the individual's ability to respond to the stressor by increasing oxygen delivery to tissues.
A. During the alarm stage of GAS, the body initiates the fight-or-flight response, which leads to the release of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones increase blood glucose levels through processes like glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis to provide energy for the body to respond to the stressor. Therefore, decreased blood glucose is not an expected manifestation in the alarm stage.
E. Decreased pupil size: During the alarm stage of GAS, the sympathetic nervous system is activated, leading to the dilation of pupils (mydriasis). This allows for improved visual acuity and peripheral vision, enhancing the individual's ability to detect potential threats or stimuli in the environment.
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