Stress is a state of tension, of body or mind, that acts on the nervous system.
Responses of the nervous system include relaxation of the bronchial tubes, constriction of blood vessels in the stomach and intestines, and the pumping of more blood from the heart to the skeletal muscles. There is increased of glucose from the liver, increased activity of the sweat glands, and the production of more adrenalin.
Common stressors are pain or unpleasant excitement such as fear, anger, or insecurity. When stress is caused by a real emergency, such as impending danger, the person will have a pounding heart, rapid breathing, and “goose pimples”, and feel as if every hair is standing on end. This condition. When the body is ready for some kind of action, is called a “fight or flight” response.
A certain amount of stress is desirable, as it motivates one toward learning, activity, and growth. Too much stress diminishes one`s ability to cope and has negative results. Excessive response to stress may predispose one to disorders and disease, a few of which are headaches, hypertension, peptic ulcers, and colitis.
Reference :
Reference :
Farrell J : Nursing Care of the Older Person, J.B. Lippincott Company, Philadelphia, 1990.
