Final answer:
The stages of the general adaptation syndrome, in the correct order, are Alarm reaction, Stage of resistance, and Stage of exhaustion, represented by the sequence 3, 1, 2 (option a).
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct order, according to Hans Selye's general adaptation syndrome (GAS), is as follows:
- Alarm reaction
- Stage of resistance
- Stage of exhaustion
The alarm reaction is the immediate response to stress, often referred to as the fight-or-flight response. If the exposure to stress is prolonged, the organism enters the stage of resistance, during which the body adapts to the stressor. After a prolonged period of resistance, if the stress is not relieved, the organism reaches the stage of exhaustion, where the resources to fight stress are depleted.
Therefore, the sequence in which a nurse should list the stages of the general adaptation syndrome, beginning with the first stage, is: 3, 1, 2 (Alarm, Resistance, Exhaustion), which corresponds to option a.