Question

A nurse is caring for a patient experiencing a stress response. The nurse plans care with the knowledge that systems respond to stress in what manner? (Select all that apply.)

1. Always fail and cause illness and disease

2. Causes negative response over time

3. React the same way for all individuals

4. Protect an individual from harm in the short term

Answer 1

In the short term, the stress response is protective, but chronic or intense stress can lead to negative health outcomes, such as weakened immune system functioning and heart disease. The response varies among individuals and is not universally harmful or helpful.

Step-by-step explanation:

The systems respond to stress in varying manners. Not all systems always fail and cause illness and disease, nor do they react the same way for all individuals. The response to stress can be both a protective mechanism and a potential contributor to negative health outcomes depending on the duration and intensity of the stress. In the short term, the stress response can protect an individual from harm by preparing the body to deal with potentially dangerous situations through the fight-or-flight response.

This involves a coordination of the immune, nervous, and endocrine systems to increase heart rate, and prepare the body for immediate physical action. However, when the response is chronic or intense, it can cause negative responses over time, leading to cumulative wear and tear on the body and possibly contributing to illnesses like heart attacks or weakened immune system functioning, as persistent stress can inhibit both innate and adaptive immune responses.