This article is a case study that presents common stressors, answers to professional's individual and collective handling in the operating room. The data was collected through interview of 32 persons of the surgical team, submitted to content analysis, arising eight differentiated categories from them: significant stress experiences; stressing situations; individual behavior in the operating room; stress handling; responsibilities and compromises; behavioral responses. Even though relationship with patients generates important life experiences, the patient was considered the minor stressor agent, being the interpersonal relations the most significant one. To cope with stressful situations the professionals use the handling focused on the problem, on emotion, on relief maneuvers, and on development of social relationships.
Stress; Operating room; Behavior and behavior mechanisms
