The third phase of the body's adaptation to stress is:

Appeared in: ESIC Nursing Officer -2019 (Shift -1)

Explanation

Exhaustion is the third and final stage of Hans Selye's General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS), a model describing the body's physiological response to stress.
This stage occurs after the initial Alarm and subsequent Resistance stages when a stressor is prolonged and the body's energy reserves are depleted.
During exhaustion, the body is no longer able to resist the effects of the stressor, leading to a breakdown of compensatory mechanisms, fatigue, and increased vulnerability to health problems.

Option A: The term 'Reaction' is part of the first stage, known as the 'Alarm Reaction,' not the third stage.
Option B: 'Rebound' is not a recognized term for any of the stages in Hans Selye's General Adaptation Syndrome.
Option D: Resistance is the second stage of the General Adaptation Syndrome, not the third. It is the stage where the body adapts to and copes with the stressor.

Visual 1: Flowchart - A diagram illustrating the three stages of the General Adaptation Syndrome (Alarm -> Resistance -> Exhaustion) with key physiological events listed under each stage.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must be able to identify the signs of the exhaustion stage in patients, which can include chronic fatigue, depression, anxiety, and impaired immune function. Recognizing this stage is crucial for implementing interventions to manage stress and prevent further health deterioration.
Understanding GAS helps nurses educate patients about the long-term health consequences of chronic stress, such as hypertension, heart disease, and autoimmune disorders, and teach them effective coping strategies.
What if? If a patient is identified in the resistance stage (e.g., showing irritability and difficulty concentrating but still managing daily tasks), the nursing priority is to introduce stress-reduction techniques (like mindfulness, exercise, or counseling) to prevent progression to the exhaustion stage.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key terms in the question: 'third phase' and 'adaptation to stress'.
Recognize that this question refers to a specific physiological model, likely the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) by Hans Selye.
Recall the three stages of GAS in their correct sequence: 1. Alarm, 2. Resistance, 3. Exhaustion.
Compare this sequence to the given options and select the one that matches the third stage.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full ESIC Nursing Officer -2019 (Shift -1)

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