Critical Care Nursing Questions and Answers PDF Related

Review Critical Care Nursing Questions and Answers PDF related questions and content

A patient has just been admitted to the ICU after being in a severe auto accident and losing one of her legs. Her husband has his hand over his heart and complains of a rapid heart rate. The nurse recognizes his condition as a sign of which stage of the general adaptation syndrome to stress?

  • A. Alarm stage
  • B. Exhaustion stage
  • C. Resistance stage
  • D. Adaptation stage
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Alarm stage. The husband's rapid heart rate indicates the initial alarm reaction to stress, characterized by physiological arousal. This stage involves the body's fight-or-flight response to a stressor. In this scenario, the husband is experiencing the physiological effects of the stressful situation, such as the auto accident and loss of a limb. The other choices are incorrect because:
B: Exhaustion stage occurs if stress continues without relief, leading to depletion of resources and increased vulnerability to illness.
C: Resistance stage is the body's attempt to adapt and cope with the stressor after the initial alarm reaction.
D: Adaptation stage is not a recognized stage in the general adaptation syndrome model.