Which of the following is an example of the alarm reaction stage of the general adaptation syndrome?

Which of the following is an example of the alarm reaction stage of the general adaptation syndrome?

a) A burst of energy enables Hassan to run fast when he sees a skunk in his path.

b) Sheila almost drowned, but she was able to keep her head out of the water and focus on swimming to shore.

c) Bill collapses by the side of the road after the marathon.

Answer: a) A burst of energy enables Hassan to run fast when he sees a skunk in his path.

Alarm reaction stage is the first among the general adaptation syndrome (GAS) as it is the body’s natural stress response. This stage interestingly elicits the sympathetic nervous system, which results in the fight or flight response mechanism. This response gets the body ready for action to either fight off the stressor or flee from it by raising the pitch of the heart, the level of blood pressure, as well as the energy level. The instance where, unfortunately, Hassan comes across a skunk and is able to sprint is a clear illustration of this alarm reaction, wherein power is sort of released in response to potential danger. The other options would best fit later stages of the GAS or are different altogether.