What it means
The body adapts to stress, for example when muscles grow with exercise or the heart thickens when it pumps against high pressure. A person adapts emotionally to illness, loss or a new disability by changing how they think and live. Some adaptations help; others, such as a heart muscle that grows too thick, cause problems over time.
For the nurse
Look at how the client and family are adapting to a diagnosis or a change in their abilities, and support the coping methods that work for them.
At a glance
| Also written | adaptations |
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Related terms
coping
The thoughts and actions a person uses to manage stress, problems and strong emotions.
adjustment
A change made to fit a new situation, such as changing a dose, a position or a way of living.
resilience
The ability to cope with stress, hardship or trauma and to recover from it.
adaptive
Helping a person adjust or manage, such as tools made easier to use or healthy ways of coping.