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 D
Explanation
D. Experiencing multiple stressors simultaneously can overwhelm an individual's coping resources and make it more difficult to effectively manage stress. Coping with multiple stressors can lead to feelings of being overwhelmed, heightened anxiety, and decreased ability to cope with each stressor individually.
A. Undergoing a biopsy can be a stressful experience due to uncertainty about the results and fear of the procedure itself. However, the level of difficulty in coping with this stressor can vary among individuals depending on factors such as their coping mechanisms, social support, and previous experiences with medical procedures.
B. Relocating to an assisted-living facility can be a significant life transition, involving changes in living arrangements, loss of independence, and adjustment to a new environment. This stressor can be particularly challenging for individuals who have strong attachments to their current living situation or who are facing health-related issues that necessitate the move.
C. Understanding and researching the stressor can sometimes help individuals cope better by providing knowledge and a sense of control. However, this does not necessarily make coping with the stressor easier, especially if the stressor itself is significant or if the individual lacks adequate support or resources to manage it effectively.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
C. Full compensation typically occurs within 2 to 3 days (approximately 72 hours) after the onset of an acid-base disturbance. During full compensation, the primary acid-base disorder (e.g., respiratory acidosis or alkalosis, metabolic acidosis or alkalosis) is still present, but the compensatory mechanisms have effectively brought the pH, pCO2, and bicarbonate (pHCO3) levels back towards normal range.
A. Full compensation occurs when both the primary disorder (respiratory or metabolic) and the compensatory mechanism (renal or respiratory) are functioning to return the pH towards normal. In this option, while the pO2 is within the normal range, the pH, pCO2, and bicarbonate (pHCO3) are all abnormal, indicating an ongoing imbalance.
B. Full compensation occurs when all components of the ABG are within or approaching normal range, indicating that the body's compensatory mechanisms have effectively counteracted the primary acid- base disturbance. In this option, the bicarbonate (pHCO3) is mentioned as starting to change, indicating incomplete compensation.
D. While the pH is within the normal range, both the pCO2 and pO2 are abnormal, indicating a primary respiratory disturbance. In the case of full compensation, the pH, pCO2, and bicarbonate (pHCO3) levels would all be within or approaching normal range, indicating that the compensatory mechanisms have effectively counteracted the primary acid-base disturbance.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.