Final answer:
A nurse should monitor for cancer, diabetes, infections, allostatic changes, and low blood pressure in a patient with prolonged stress.
Step-by-step explanation:
When assessing a patient with prolonged stress, a nurse should monitor for several conditions. These may include:
- Cancer: Prolonged stress has been associated with an increased risk of certain types of cancer.
- Diabetes: Stress can impact blood sugar levels and potentially lead to the development or worsening of diabetes.
- Infections: Prolonged stress can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections.
- Allostasis: This refers to the body's ability to maintain stability through adaptation. Prolonged stress can disrupt this balance, leading to physiological changes.
- Low blood pressure: Chronic stress can have both physical and emotional effects on the body, including changes in blood pressure levels.