REPLY TO A DISCUSSION POST week 7

Timiya Fosque YesterdayOct 10 at 9:52pm 

Hello Professor Langlie-Lesnik & Class, 

 28- year-old soldier: 

 1. Based on the patient history and the signs and symptoms, discuss how stress is related to her condition. Considering this patient was a soldier who recently returned from war, she may be experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that is triggered by experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event. PTDS or high levels of stress can cau   se physical, mental, and emotional changes in an individual. Symptoms of PTDS include trouble sleeping, nightmares, severe anxiety, trouble concentrating, and being easily frightened. Some of the patient’s symptoms such as anxiety and inability to sleep are associated with PTSD symptoms. The frequent headaches and ulcers may be a result of high levels of stress. Reference: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2018, July 6). Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). 

 2. Discuss other stress-related problems that this patient might experience if her coping strategies are not effective. If the patient is unable to manage stress, she is at risk for: • Mental health problems such as depression and personality disorders • Cardiovascular diseases such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and stoke • Obesity and other eating disorders • Menstrual problems • Skin and hair problems such as acne, eczema, and permanent hair loss • Gastrointestinal problems such as GERD, gastritis, and ulcerative colitis Reference: Palmer, C. (n.d.). 12 Stress-Induced Illnesses. GoodRx. Retrieved October 10, 2022, from https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/mental-health/stress-sickness 

 3. Discuss the potential strategies for coping with stress. Stress is something that everyone experiences at some point in their life. In order to remain physically and mentally healthy during these times, it is important to develop effective strategies for coping with stress. Some of these strategies include: • creating a work-life balance • incorporating exercise daily • maintaining a healthy well-balanced diet • having a support system • engaging in activities that bring pleasure and joy • getting an adequate amount of sleep • seeing a counselor, coach, or therapist Reference: Stoll, M. (n.d.). 10 Ways To Cope With Stress. Sutter Health. Retrieved October 10, 2022, from https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/mind-body/10-simple-ways-to-cope-with-stress Mr.K:

 1. Based on patient history, reports from his friends, and the signs and symptoms noted by the paramedics, identify substances that Mr. K might have consumed. Based on Mr.K’s history, reports from his friends, and signs and symptoms noted by the paramedics, Mr. K may have consumed Estasy, GBH, or Ketamine. All of these drugs are commonly used at parties and correlate with symptoms of inability to speak clearly, hallucinations, hypertension, and a fever. Reference: Commonly Used Party Drugs. Club Drugs. (n.d.). 

 2. Based on the patient’s history, discuss the social factors that predisposed him to substance abuse. Social factors that predisposed Mr. K to substance abuse are the recent break up of his marriage and loss of his job. This has probably caused a high level of stress for Mr. K and he is using substances such as drugs and alcohol as coping mechanisms. Also, the party scenes and social events likely contribute to Mr.K’s vulnerability to partake in overdosing on drugs and alcohol. 

 3. Discuss any additional problems that he might encounter if he continues his present course of substance abuse. If Mr. K continues his present course of substance abuse, he is at risk for many physical and mental illnesses. Some of these include: • Depression • Anxiety • Paranoia • Kidney damage (dehydration, muscle breakdown, fever) • Liver failure (chronic inflammation, scarring, tissue necrosis) • Cardiovascular problems (hypertension, abnormal cardiac rhythms, and heart attack) • Respiratory problems