Chapter 6: Individual and Family Homeostasis, Stress, and Adaptation - Nurselytic

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Selye compared the general adaptation syndrome with the life process. During childhood, too few encounters with stress occur to promote the development of adaptive functioning, and children are vulnerable. During adulthood, a number of stressful events occur, and people develop resistance or adaptation. During the later years, the accumulation of lifes stressors and wear and tear on the organism again decrease peoples ability to adapt, so resistance falls, and, eventually, death occurs.

Correct Answer: A,B,C

Rationale: These mechanisms work by sensing deviations from a predetermined set point or range of adaptability and triggering a response aimed at offsetting the deviation. Blood pressure, acid-base balance, blood glucose level, body temperature, and fluid and electrolyte balance are examples of functions regulated through such compensatory mechanisms. Coagulation and labor onset are results of positive feedback loops.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: If the sympathetic-adrenal-medullary response is prolonged or excessive, a state of chronic arousal develops that may lead to high (not low) blood pressure, arteriosclerotic changes, and cardiovascular disease. If the production of ACTH is prolonged or excessive, behavior patterns of withdrawal and depression are seen. In addition, the immune response is decreased, and infections and tumors may develop.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Coping processes that include the use of alcohol or drugs to reduce stress increase the risk of illness. The use of drugs and alcohol as a means to reduce stress are not effective coping behaviors. They are maladaptive behaviors, even though they have a short-term effect on stress.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The nurse has a significant role and responsibility in identifying the health patterns of the patient receiving care. If those patterns are not achieving physiologic, psychological, and social balance, the nurse is obligated, with the assistance and agreement of the patient, to seek ways to promote balance. The nurse is not obligated to refer to social work, identify alternative forms of care, or provide insight into the physiologic failings of the system if the patients health patterns are not achieving their goals.