A nurse is educating a newly licensed nurse about informed consent.
Which of the following should be included as a nurse’s responsibility in this process?

Choice A rationale
The first physiological response that occurs during the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) is
the alarm reaction stage. This stage is the body’s initial response to stress, where the sympathetic nervous system is activated by the sudden release of hormones.
Choice B rationale
The body remaining alert while blood pressure and heart rate return to pre-stress levels is part of the resistance stage of GAS, not the first physiological response.
Choice C rationale
Prolonged exposure to stress resulting in illness is associated with the exhaustion stage of GAS, which is the final stage, not the first physiological response.
Choice D rationale
An increase in hormones causing an increase in blood pressure and heart rate is part of the alarm reaction stage, but it is not the first physiological response. The first response is the perception of a stressor that stimulates the central nervous system.

Choice A rationale
Chronic stress is a prolonged, often overwhelming feeling of stress that can negatively impact a person’s daily life. It can be caused by various factors, including high-pressure jobs, challenging relationships, and living in poverty. Living in poverty is a long-term situation that can cause chronic stress due to the constant worry about meeting basic needs such as food, shelter, and healthcare. This continuous worry and fear can lead to chronic stress.
Choice B rationale
A motor vehicle accident is typically an acute stress event. While it can cause significant stress at the moment, it is usually not a long-term stressor unless it results in severe injury or trauma that significantly impacts a person’s daily life.
Choice C rationale
Being a victim of a crime can indeed cause stress, but it is typically considered an acute stress event. However, if the crime results in long-term effects such as physical harm or psychological trauma, it could potentially lead to chronic stress.
Choice D rationale
The loss of a loved one can cause both acute and chronic stress. The initial loss can cause acute stress, and the subsequent grieving process can lead to chronic stress, especially if the individual has difficulty moving through the stages of grief. However, not everyone who loses a loved one will experience chronic stress.