Check Your Understanding Questions

Sarah, a 40-year-old mother of two, has recently been diagnosed with breast cancer. She is undergoing chemotherapy treatments while trying to balance her responsibilities at home and work. Her husband, John, is supportive but struggles to cope with the emotional strain of seeing his wife go through treatment. Their teenage children are also experiencing stress and anxiety about their mother’s illness. Describe how stress may affect the health and dynamics of Sarah’s family during her cancer treatment.

Sophia, a nurse in a community health clinic, is caring for Maria, a single mother of three who has recently been diagnosed with diabetes. Maria is overwhelmed by her diagnosis and struggles to afford her medication and make healthy lifestyle changes. She expresses concerns about managing her diabetes while taking care of her children and working full-time. Identify means of social support that Sophia can recommend to Maria and her family to help them cope with her diabetes diagnosis.