TERMS
define eustress and give an example
healthy/good stress; examples are an accomplishment, acing a test, little victories
What three words does each letter in the pneumonic GAS stand for?
General Adaptation Syndrome
How does stress affect the cardiovascular system?
Increased HR and CO to promote the transport of O2 and nutrients throughout the body
Blood glucose during stress
Hyperglycemia
Define episodic stress and give an example
Intense periods of stress that occur intermittently but are not constant or long-term and examples are mood and affect disorders and type A personality.
What is the first phase of GAS and what does it entail?
Alarm (Shock and Countershock)- Activation of defenses; stressor stimulates SNS (fight or flight); a certain level of stress is necessary for function.
How does stress affect the integumentary system?
Diaphoresis occurs to offset increased body temperature secondary to increased metabolism. Skin pallor is secondary to the vasoconstriction effects of NorEpi.
Cortisol levels in the AM vs PM
Highest in the AM and lowest in the PM
define biogenic sources of stress and give an example
Biogenic stressors directly trigger the stress response without any necessary cognitive process on the part of the individual; that is, the individual does not need to recognize the experience or circumstance as being stressful and some examples are caffeine, amphetamines, and extreme temperatures.
What is the second phase of GAS and what does it entail?
Resistance- Reduction in alarm reactions; compensatory mechanisms contribute to fight or flight; immune suppression.
How does stress affect the endocrine system?
Increased release of glucocorticoids and increased gluconeogenesis, which leads to increased serum glucose.
Lymphocyte labs during stress
Lymphocytes are decreased
Define multiple situational stressors and give an example.
Stressors that are a part of our day-to-day environment and examples are shoveling when the first snowfall hits or mowing the lawn when the grass is getting too long.
What is the third phase of GAS and what does it entail?
Exhaustion- Resistance is depleted; breakdown of compensatory mechanisms; stress continuation; death ultimately occurs.
How does stress affect the GI system?
Inhibition of the PNS leads to decreased peristalsis and possible constipation, increased flatus, decreased salivation, and increased serotonin levels in the gut which leads to feelings of nausea.
Potassium and Calcium levels during stress
Anxiety increases adrenal hormones and can decrease potassium levels and cause hypercalcemia