The spouse of a patient exhibiting symptoms of chronic stress asks how they can help their spouse. Which suggestion by the nurse shows an understanding of a family mem-ber's role in the management of stress?

Question

a. Offer to discuss the problem with the person who is most responsible for causing their spouse's stress.
b. Listen attentively when their spouse talks about the stressors and provide hugs to show your support.
c. Help the spouse limit the amount of time each day they devote to discussing and otherwise dwelling on the stress.
d. Provide the spouse with a variety of options and techniques for dealing with the stressors and the resulting physical symptoms.

Answer 1

ANS: B
People need people to prevent isolation to promote their ability to deal with stress. In a study, it was found that individuals who had significant relationships that involved an expression of affection had a reduction in the fight-or-flight response when stressed. Those who regularly received hugs from their romantic partners had a decrease in resting heart rate and a healthy functioning limbic-hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Conversely, individuals who lacked such support showed a higher level of stress and an increased possibility of developing an illness. Offering to confront the source of the stress is not supporting the spouse in learning to manage stress. Limiting time to dwell on obsessive thoughts may be therapeutic, but when a spouse implements this technique too often, it suggests a lack of patience and understanding of the problem. The spouse may not be qualified to provide such therapeutic options; that is the role of a mental health professional.