Question

A client is informed of the need for surgery to correct a potentially life-threatening health problem. Afterward, the nurse determines that the client is experiencing physiological indicators of stress. What did the nurse assess to make this determination?

Answer 1

The nurse assessed physiological indicators such as heart rate, blood pressure, and immune response to determine the client's stress levels. Chronic stress can lead to psychophysiological disorders and adverse health outcomes.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse likely assessed a range of physiological indicators to determine that the client is experiencing stress after being informed of the need for surgery. Such indicators could include an accelerated heart rate, elevated blood pressure, headaches, gastrointestinal problems, and changes in immune system functioning, all of which can be signs of a stress response. This response can be beneficial in short bursts, preparing the body to face threats, but it becomes harmful when it is prolonged, leading to wear and tear on the body and potentially resulting in psychophysiological disorders. Conditions like hypertension and coronary artery disease can develop or worsen due to chronic or excessive stress. The nurse may also have paid attention to psychological factors, such as the patient's emotional state, which can influence the severity of the physiological stress response. As stress directly affects health, the assessment of stress indicators by medical professionals is crucial for management and treatment planning.