When Physical Illness Becomes a Crisis

Abstract

Modern health care practices put clients and their families in situations in which coping with physical illness, hospitalization, and follow-up care create stress that can leave the individual overwhelmed and "in crisis. " Nurses who understand the subjective experience of physical illness and the phases of illness can assess the illness reaction, the type of crisis, and the degree of adaptation required of the client. Nursing interventions such as active listening, supporting client strengths, and using family, community, and health care resources to provide ongoing support are particularly helpful. Electronic resources are a new source of information that can assist nurses to find support and discussion groups and other information of help to clients.