A patient nervously says, "Financial problems are stressing my marriage. I've heard rumors about cutbacks at work; I am afraid I might get laid off." The patient's pulse is 112/minute; respirations are 26/minute; and blood pressure is 166/88
Which nursing intervention will the nurse implement?
a. Advise the patient, "Go to sleep 30 to 60 minutes earlier each night to increase rest."
b. Direct the patient in slow and deep breathing via use of a positive, repeated word.
c. Suggest the patient consider that a new job might be better than the present one.
d. Tell the patient, "Relax by spending more time playing with your pet."
ANS: B
The patient is responding to stress with increased arousal of the sympathetic nervous system, as evident by 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 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.
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