A nurse is teaching a class about the stages of the general adaptive syndrome (GAS). The nurse should include that which of the following is the first physiological response that occurs during GAS?

Choice A rationale
Academic pressure is a psychological stressor, not a physiological one. It involves mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or demanding circumstances, in this case, related to academic performance.
Choice B rationale
A burn injury is an example of a physiological stressor. Physiological stressors are related to physical or biological factors that strain the body’s resources. A burn injury places physical stress on the body as it tries to heal and recover.
Choice C rationale
Financial difficulties are a type of environmental stressor, not a physiological one. They involve external factors in a person’s environment that cause stress, such as financial problems or jobrelated stress.
Choice D rationale
A change in marital status is a type of psychosocial stressor, not a physiological one. It involves both psychological factors (such as emotions and behavior) and social factors (such as relationships and social interactions).

Choice A rationale
Experiencing poverty can indeed be a source of chronic stress due to the ongoing hardships and struggles associated with financial instability. However, it is not typically classified as an example of acute stress, which is usually associated with a specific event or situation that causes a sudden and intense reaction.
Choice B rationale
Being a victim of a crime is a prime example of an acute stressor. This is because it is a specific event that can cause immediate emotional and physiological reactions. The individual may experience intense feelings of fear, shock, or distress, and these reactions typically occur immediately after the event.
Choice C rationale
Being part of a dysfunctional family can lead to chronic stress due to ongoing family conflicts, communication problems, or other issues. While specific incidents within the family context (like a heated argument) could potentially trigger acute stress responses, the overall experience of living in a dysfunctional family is more commonly associated with chronic stress.
Choice D rationale
Experiencing racism can lead to both acute and chronic stress. Acute stress might occur in response to a specific incident of racial discrimination, while chronic stress could result from living in a society where racism is pervasive. However, without a specific incident mentioned, it is less likely to be considered an example of acute stress compared to being a victim of a crime.