Which of the following is an example of the exhaustion stage of the general adaptation syndrome?

• A. A person who successfully adapts to ongoing stress by maintaining high energy and alertness.
• B. A person who initially feels a surge of adrenaline and increased heart rate when faced with a sudden threat.
• C. A person who uses relaxation techniques to manage daily stressors effectively.
• D. A person who, after months of chronic stress, begins to experience frequent illnesses and extreme fatigue.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS), which describes the body's physiological response to stress in three stages: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion.
2. Identify the alarm stage as the initial reaction to stress, characterized by a 'fight or flight' response, such as a surge of adrenaline and increased heart rate.
3. Recognize the resistance stage as the body's attempt to adapt to ongoing stress by maintaining high energy and alertness to cope with the stressor.
4. Define the exhaustion stage as the point where the body's resources are depleted after prolonged stress, leading to symptoms like fatigue, weakened immune function, and increased susceptibility to illness.
5. Match the example describing frequent illnesses and extreme fatigue after months of chronic stress to the exhaustion stage, as it reflects the body's inability to sustain the stress response.