b. Acceptance of Being Ill.
(1)
Becomes dependent on health care personnel.
(2)
Focuses attention on symptoms and the illness.
(3)
Gradually becomes less dependent.
c. Recovery, Rehabilitation, or Convalescence.
(1) May be a short or long period, depending on how much the patient's
life-style must change as a result of the illness.
(2) Patient goes through a process of resolving his/her perceived loss or
impairment of function.
1-25. EMOTIONAL RESPONSES TO ILLNESS AND HOSPITALIZATION
a. Fear.
(1) An emotional response characterized by an expectation of harm or
unpleasantness.
(2) Usually associated with behavior that attempts to avoid or flee a
threatening situation.
(3) Patient is usually aware of the specific danger and has some
understanding into the reasons for the fear.
(4)
Common indications of fear include:
(a) Tachycardia (rapid heart rate).
(b) Dry mouth.
(c)
Constipation.
(d) Hypertension.
(e) Increased perspiration.
(f) The "fight or flight" reaction (alertness and readiness for action in
order to avoid or escape harm).
MD0905
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