While being assessed, a patient tells the nurse that she has many stresses in her life. Which statement would the nurse evaluate as indicating external stress?

Question

1. "I am a workaholic.".
2. "My job has many rigid rules.".
3. "I feel like I have to please everyone.".
4. "I drink several cups of coffee in the morning and then switch to cola drinks in the afternoon.".

Answer 1

2
Rationale 1: Being a workaholic is a stress that comes from within the patient and is an internal stressor.
Rationale 2: External stressors originate outside the body and are precipitated by changes in the external environment. They can be triggered by the actual physical environment, the social environment, the organizational environment, major life events, and trauma. Having to work within a set of rigid rules would be an external stressor.
Rationale 3: The need to please everyone comes from within and is an internal stressor.
Rationale 4: Using caffeine to excess can be an internal stressor or a response to stress.