Phelp LPNtoRN 6e

72 Unit I • The Transition Process

providers argue differently, the concepts of distress and eustress provide a means for you to evaluate the typical coping patterns of your clients. General Adaptation Syndrome As just discussed, a common effect of any change, planned or unplanned, is stress, which disturbs an individual’s equilibrium. Selye (1976) was the first to describe a nonspecific general response to stress, which he called general adaptation syndrome . He described stress as a condition of the body that is characterized by the changes that occur within the body and a stressor as any factor that upsets the equilibrium and results in stress. For example, a student may experience nausea before making a class presentation. The stressor is the impending presentation; the stress is the condition of nausea. Selye delineated three stages that occur in the general adaptation syndrome: alarm reaction, resistance, and recovery or exhaustion. Table 3.2 shows these stages. Alarm Reaction The first stage of the general adaptation syndrome is the alarm reaction. The body responds to a particular stressor, such as an extreme in temperature, infection, verbal abuse, or other conscious and unconscious factors. With this process, the defense mechanisms of the mind and body are activated. The autonomic nervous system releases large amounts of hormones into the body. Blood volume is increased, and blood glucose levels rise to meet energy needs. Increased epinephrine results in a higher heart rate, more blood flow to muscles, better oxygen intake, and greater mental alertness. Norepinephrine is released in greater quantities to decrease blood flow to the kidneys. Increased rennin secretion will result in more angiotensin production, thus elevating blood pressure. This process initiates what is called the “fight-or-flight” response and may last for a short period to many hours. A person is ready for action during this phase. Resistance The second stage is called the resistance stage. During this stage, the alarm reactions sta bilize. The hormone levels and cardiac functions return to previous levels. The person attempts to adapt to the stressor or to cope more effectively with its effects. For example,

TABLE 3.2 Stages of the General Adaptation Syndrome Stage Body Responses Alarm reaction (fight-or-flight)

Increased release of hormones by the autonomic nervous system: ••Increased heart rate

••Increased oxygen intake ••Increased blood sugar ••Increased mental acuity ••Increased blood flow to muscles ••Increased blood pressure ••Decreased flow to the kidneys ••Decreased urine output

Copyright © 2025 Wolters Kluwer, Inc. Unauthorized reproduction of the content is prohibited.

Resistance

Stabilization: ••Hormone levels return to normal ••Cardiac functions return to previous levels ••Adaptation to stressor(s)

Recovery or exhaustion

Defense mechanisms described in the alarm reaction stage are exhausted Decreased energy levels Fatigue Decreased ability for adaptation Death