[A concept analysis of stress].

Stress formation, which depends on an individual's perception of a situation, can lead to changes in physiology, emotions, or behavior, and cause damage to one's physical and/or mental health. Nurses can help their patients reduce the impact of stress by teaching some essential stress attributes. Applying concept analysis, the authors provide information on definition, critical attributes, antecedents, and consequences, and presents both references for empirical research and construct demonstration examples. The article concludes with a discussion of potential applications to nursing practices.