The proper order in which the stages of the general adaptation syndrome occur is ________.

A) exhaustion, resistance, alarm reaction
B) resistance, alarm reaction, exhaustion
C) resistance, exhaustion, alarm reaction
D) alarm reaction, resistance, exhaustion

The general adaptation syndrome occurs in three stages: alarm reaction, resistance, and exhaustion. In the alarm reaction stage, our body prepares for a "fight or flight" response to the stressor. In the resistance stage, the body tries to adapt to the stressor and return to a state of equilibrium. In the exhaustion stage, if the stressor persists and the body is unable to cope, the body's resources become depleted, leading to exhaustion and potential illness. Therefore, the correct order of the stages is alarm reaction, resistance, and exhaustion, which is only represented in choice D.