Question

a nurse is caring for a client whose partner was recently hospitalized with covid - 19. the client is experiencing manifestations related to the alarm stage of general adaptation syndrome (gas). for which of the following manifestations should the nurse monitor? (select all that apply.) hypertension dilated pupils increased state of arousal bradycardia lethargy

Explanation:

The alarm stage of GAS involves the body's fight - or - flight response. In this stage, the sympathetic nervous system is activated.

• Hypertension: The release of stress hormones like adrenaline causes blood vessels to constrict and heart rate to increase, leading to high blood pressure. So hypertension is a manifestation.
• Dilated pupils: Sympathetic activation causes pupils to dilate to allow more light in for better vision during a stress response. So dilated pupils are a manifestation.
• Increased state of arousal: The fight - or - flight response increases alertness and arousal as the body prepares to respond to the stressor. So increased state of arousal is a manifestation.
• Bradycardia (slow heart rate) is not a part of the alarm stage; instead, tachycardia (fast heart rate) occurs.
• Lethargy is a sign of the exhaustion stage of GAS, not the alarm stage.

Answer:

A. Hypertension, B. Dilated pupils, C. Increased state of arousal