A client brought to the emergency department after a robbery shows signs consistent with the GAS. Which stage best fits the client's condition based on elevated heart rate and respirations?

A client brought to the emergency department after a robbery shows signs consistent with the GAS. Which stage best fits the client's condition based on elevated heart rate and respirations?

• A. Resistance
• B. Adaptation
• C. Alarm
• D. Recovery

Answer: (C)

When a sudden, threatening event occurs, the body’s first reaction is to mobilize energy and resources for a quick response. This is the alarm stage of the General Adaptation Syndrome. It involves activation of the sympathetic nervous system and release of stress hormones, such as adrenaline, which rapidly increase heart rate and breathing to prep the body for “fight or flight.” The elevated heart rate and respirations you’re seeing reflect this immediate, physiologic arousal aimed at increasing oxygen and nutrient delivery to essential organs and muscles. If the stress continues, the body may enter the resistance stage to adapt to the ongoing challenge, and with prolonged stress, exhaustion can follow. So the signs described align with the alarm stage.

When a sudden, threatening event occurs, the body’s first reaction is to mobilize energy and resources for a quick response. This is the alarm stage of the General Adaptation Syndrome. It involves activation of the sympathetic nervous system and release of stress hormones, such as adrenaline, which rapidly increase heart rate and breathing to prep the body for “fight or flight.” The elevated heart rate and respirations you’re seeing reflect this immediate, physiologic arousal aimed at increasing oxygen and nutrient delivery to essential organs and muscles. If the stress continues, the body may enter the resistance stage to adapt to the ongoing challenge, and with prolonged stress, exhaustion can follow. So the signs described align with the alarm stage.