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A hospice nurse has been feeling very stressed at work because of both the physical strain and the emotional drain of working with clients with AIDS. She tries to walk 1 to 2 miles three times a week and to talk regularly with her husband about her work-related feelings. One reasonable stress management strategy would be to:

a. Start taking yoga lessons.
b. Make an appointment to meet with a psychiatrist.
c. Start jogging 5 to 6 miles every day.
d. Plan to go out for a drink with fellow nurses after work every day.

1 Answer

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Final answer:

Yoga lessons would be the most reasonable stress management strategy for the hospice nurse, as it addresses both physical strain and emotional drain, without potentially exacerbating stress levels or leading to unhealthy habits.

Step-by-step explanation:

When it comes to managing stress, especially for someone in a demanding profession like hospice nursing, there are several practical strategies that can be used. Considering the nurse is already engaging in light exercise and has a social support system, one effective way to manage stress would be to take up an additional form of stress reduction, such as starting yoga lessons. Yoga combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation, which have been shown to reduce stress, improve fitness, and contribute to overall well-being. This makes it a beneficial activity for someone experiencing both the physical and emotional tolls of their job, like the nurse described.

Other options, like increasing the intensity and frequency of exercise by jogging 5 to 6 miles every day, could potentially add to the physical strain rather than facilitate recovery and stress relief. Meeting with a psychiatrist could be helpful if the stress becomes overwhelming and begins to affect mental health significantly, indicating potential burnout or depression. Planning to consume alcohol after work every day as a way to relieve stress could lead to unhealthy habits and doesn't address the root cause of stress, potentially exacerbating the problem over time.

Therefore, the most reasonable stress management strategy from the provided options would be to start taking yoga lessons, as it not only helps release physical tension but also encourages emotional healing and mental relaxation.

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