Which statement best guides the nurse in planning care for a stressed patient?

Which statement best guides the nurse in planning care for a stressed patient?

• A. Rely only on medication
• B. Develop a plan that includes psychosocial supports
• C. Focus only on physical symptoms
• D. Delay addressing stress until discharge

Answer: (B)

Managing stress in a patient requires a holistic plan that includes psychosocial supports. Stress affects emotional well-being, coping capacity, and engagement with care, all of which influence recovery. By weaving in psychosocial elements—assessing stressors, providing counseling or social work resources, involving family, teaching coping strategies, and arranging supportive services—the nurse helps the patient manage anxiety, adhere to treatment, and participate in decision-making. This approach integrates emotional and social dimensions with physical care, promoting better overall outcomes. Relying only on medication misses the emotional and social needs that influence how a patient handles stress and follows through with care. Focusing solely on physical symptoms ignores how stress manifests mentally and socially, which can undermine recovery. Delaying addressing stress until discharge misses the chance to equip the patient with coping tools and supports during the hospital stay, when adaptation is most critical.

Managing stress in a patient requires a holistic plan that includes psychosocial supports. Stress affects emotional well-being, coping capacity, and engagement with care, all of which influence recovery. By weaving in psychosocial elements—assessing stressors, providing counseling or social work resources, involving family, teaching coping strategies, and arranging supportive services—the nurse helps the patient manage anxiety, adhere to treatment, and participate in decision-making. This approach integrates emotional and social dimensions with physical care, promoting better overall outcomes.

Relying only on medication misses the emotional and social needs that influence how a patient handles stress and follows through with care. Focusing solely on physical symptoms ignores how stress manifests mentally and socially, which can undermine recovery. Delaying addressing stress until discharge misses the chance to equip the patient with coping tools and supports during the hospital stay, when adaptation is most critical.