The stages of general adaptation syndrome progress in the following stages

Appeared in: UPPSC 2022

Explanation

The General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS), developed by Hans Selye, describes the body's physiological response to stress in three distinct stages.
The correct sequence is Alarm, Resistance, and Exhaustion.
The Alarm stage is the initial 'fight-or-flight' response where the body mobilizes resources to face a threat.
The Resistance stage follows, where the body attempts to adapt and cope with the persistent stressor.
Finally, the Exhaustion stage occurs when the body's resources are depleted from prolonged stress, leading to burnout and illness.

Option A: This option incorrectly places the Resistance stage first. The body must first perceive a threat (Alarm) before it can mount a defense (Resistance).
Option B: This option incorrectly places Exhaustion before Resistance. Exhaustion is the final stage that occurs only after the body's attempts to resist have failed over a prolonged period.
Option D: This option incorrectly starts with Exhaustion. Exhaustion is the outcome of chronic, unmanaged stress, not the starting point of the stress response.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) Stages helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Nurses can identify which stage of GAS a patient is in based on their physical and psychological symptoms, helping to tailor interventions.
Understanding GAS allows nurses to implement stress-reduction techniques (e.g., mindfulness, relaxation exercises, patient education) to help patients cope and prevent them from reaching the exhaustion stage.
Recognizing the signs of the exhaustion stage (e.g., fatigue, frequent infections, anxiety) is crucial for preventing serious health complications like chronic hypertension, depression, and autoimmune disorders.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key concept in the question, which is 'General Adaptation Syndrome' (GAS).
Recall the purpose of GAS: to describe the body's physiological response to a stressor.
Think through the logical progression of a response to stress: 1) an initial shock or 'Alarm', 2) an attempt to cope or 'Resist', and 3) eventual fatigue or 'Exhaustion' if the stress continues.
This logical sequence is Alarm -> Resistance -> Exhaustion.
Compare this correct sequence with the given options to find the match.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QWKPGzKGHRFv6mwOeMUCup

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Potter Perry 12e Part 4 p. 59-61

E6 Psychology Applied Sreevani 5e p. 226-228

E6 Psychology Applied Sreevani 6e Sem1 p. 227-229

Practise the full UPPSC 2022

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.