A patient reports that financial problems are stressing his marriage.Today he heard rumors about impending cutbacks at work,and he fears he will be laid off.He is wringing his hands,has a pulse rate of 112/minute,respirations are 26/minute,and his blood pressure is 166/88 instead of being in his usual 110-120/76-84 range.Which nursing intervention or recommendation should be used first?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient is responding to stress with increased arousal of the sympathetic nervous system,as evident in his elevated vital signs.These will have a negative effect on his health and increase his perception of being anxious and stressed.Stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system (i.e. ,Benson's relaxation response)will counter the sympathetic nervous system's arousal,normalizing these vital-sign changes and reducing the physiological demands stress is placing on his body.Other options do not address his physiological response pattern as directly or immediately.

A Patient Reports That Financial Problems Are Stressing His Marriage