Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

What term describes the cumulative negative effects on the body from adapting to stressors?

1. Stress overload

2. Chronic fatigue

3. Allostatic load

4. Adaptation syndrome

The correct answer is: Allostatic load

The term that defines the cumulative negative effects on the body from adapting to stressors is "allostatic load." This concept refers to the wear and tear on the body that accumulates as an individual is exposed to repeated or chronic stress. When the body experiences stress, it initiates a series of hormonal responses to restore balance, a process known as allostasis. Over time, if stressors are persistent and the body continuously adapts, this can lead to a state of overload where the physiological systems may become dysregulated. Allostatic load is crucial in understanding the impact of chronic stress on health, as it highlights that while the body can adjust to stressors, over time, those adaptations can lead to negative health outcomes, including increased risk for conditions such as cardiovascular disease, depression, and other stress-related disorders. Thus, recognizing and managing stress effectively is essential to minimize allostatic load and its adverse effects on health. Chronic fatigue, while it may be related to stress, does not specifically encompass the cumulative impact of multiple stressors on the body. Stress overload refers more to an immediate reaction to overwhelming stress rather than a cumulative process. Adaptation syndrome, commonly related to Selye’s General Adaptation Syndrome, describes the stages