Final answer:
The correct answer to the description of exhaustion and irritability resulting from sustained stress is 'burnout'. The general adaptation syndrome stages are alarm reaction, stage of resistance, and stage of exhaustion, with burnout as a result of the latter phase.
Step-by-step explanation:
The condition described by a student as exhaustion and irritability caused by prolonged periods of stress is known as burnout. Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It occurs when you feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained, and unable to meet constant demands. The three stages of the general adaptation syndrome, as defined by Hans Selye, are: (1) alarm reaction, (2) stage of resistance, and (3) stage of exhaustion. During the final stage, the body's ability to resist stress becomes severely depleted and health issues such as depression, a weakened immune response, extreme fatigue, or serious cardiovascular events can arise.
This syndrome explains that while the initial alarm reaction is analogous to the fight-or-flight response, over time, with persistent stress, our bodies are taxed through a process that leads to depletion of resources and serious health implications. Particularly noteworthy is the role of cortisol from the adrenal cortex, which is released due to signals from the HPA axis during periods of stress. Chronic exposure to cortisol can lead to a weakened immune system and increased vulnerability to illness and disease.
In summary, the correct answer to the student's question is C: burnout.