Which stage of GAS involves a burst of energy to meet the stressor?

• A. Alarm stage
• B. Resistance stage
• C. Exhaustion stage
• D. GAS

Answer: (A)

When a stressor appears, the body first mobilizes its resources for a quick response—the alarm stage. This stage triggers the fight-or-flight reaction, with the sympathetic nervous system releasing adrenaline and related hormones. That surge boosts heart rate, opens airways, increases glucose in the blood, and generally heightens energy and alertness to confront or escape the threat.

This stage is the best fit because it specifically describes that initial burst of energy and mobilization. In contrast, the resistance stage involves coping with the stress over time, not a sudden energy spike, while the exhaustion stage comes after resources are depleted and functioning begins to fail. The term General Adaptation Syndrome refers to the whole sequence, not a single stage.