Tension reduction in the operating room

Muscle relaxation, altering stressful thought patterns, verbalization to supportive team members, time management, and humor are all effective tension relievers. Whereas muscle relaxation, altering thought patterns, and time management may be effective individual techniques, verbalization and humor are techniques that involve others and maximize the use of support from others. However, in every situation, personality, culture, background, and levels of stress affect reactions to tension and color the reactions of others to strategies used to reduce tension. Thus, in all cases, the situation must be carefully assessed, and timing, discretion, and selectivity are of vital importance if the strategy is to be used effectively. In addition to the nurse's knowledge of tension reduction strategies that can be used in the operating room, optimal function can be promoted by a total lifestyle that attends to coping directly with tension. Adequate periods of planned relaxation and exercise, planned time off, proper nutrition, and diet must also be part of a holistic approach to help prevent and reduce disabling tension.