Compensatory Mechanisms

Maladaptive and physiological responses: Whether a person realizes it or not, his or her body regularly uses compensatory mechanisms such as adaptive and maladaptive responses. These compensatory mechanisms help the body respond to stressors or triggers. Perhaps you have heard a patient complain that his or her food “just didn’t go down right,” resulting in a coughing spell. Maybe you have treated a child with scabs on his or her arms and legs.

These are automatic physiological responses that a person cannot control and that may sometimes result in adverse health effects, such as hives. As an advanced practice nurse, it is important that you are able to identify the root of compensatory mechanisms and underlying responses. Which compensatory mechanisms are related to which disorders? Is the presenting mechanism positive and adaptive, or is it maladaptive and in need of control? What are appropriate management strategies?

Since the physical and emotional impact of musculoskeletal, autoimmune, and integumentary disorders varies from patient to patient, associated alterations and symptoms vary as well. For this reason, you must have a solid understanding of these disorders in order to properly diagnose patients.

This week you examine compensatory mechanisms and physiological responses of disorders and the pathophysiology of musculoskeletal disorders. You also explore the impact of patient factors on the pathophysiology of disorders and resulting compensatory mechanisms, and the impact of patient factors on the disorders.

maladaptive and physiological responses 

Learning Objectives

Students will:

• Compare maladaptive and physiological responses of immune disorders
• Evaluate the impact of patient factors on the pathophysiology of immune disorders
• Compare the pathophysiology of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
• Evaluate the impact of patient factors on arthritis
• Analyze the pathophysiology of disorders
• Assess adaptive responses to alterations
• Evaluate clinical considerations of disorders
• Understand and apply key terms, concepts, and principles related to adaptive and compensatory mechanisms
• Understand and apply key terms, concepts, and principles related to alterations of the musculoskeletal, autoimmune, and integumentary systems