Geriatric Nursing: Coping and Stress Sandy Mishkin, RN, BC, MSN, M.Ed. ©2008

Normal Stress and Coping Stress is experienced when an individual is facing a real or perceived threat or experiences a major life-altering event. Stress results from both negative and positive experiences. Review the list of events or situations that can cause stress on page 173 of your text, Table13-1.

Signs of Stress Cardiovascular Respiratory Musculoskeletal Gastrointestinal Urinary Cognitive Emotional Behavioral Review the signs of stress on pages 172-174 of your textbook. Note the significant relationship between stress and illness: Mental and physical illness can cause stress and, in turn, stress can contribute to mental and physical illness.

Stress Reduction and Coping Strategies Two types of coping strategies: Problem-focused Attempts to change or eliminate the stressor Emotion-focused Attempts to change one’s response to the stressor Review common defense mechanisms used to reduce stress on page 175 of your text in Box13-3. Coping strategies are dysfunctional when they are used excessively or inappropriately.

Coping Strategies Avoid the stressor. Use problem-solving method. Do physical activity. Practice relaxation techniques Meditation Positive imaging Self-hypnosis Get a massage. Talk to friends, family, counselor.

Coping With Stress and the Older Adult A major cause of stress in the older adult is the many losses he/she experiences. Older adults frequently are able to distance themselves emotionally from stressful events that they cannot alter. Read the nursing process for ineffective coping on page 176 of your text.

References Wold, G. (2004). Basic geriatric nursing (3rd. Ed.). St. Louis: Mosby.