A 28-year-old client is admitted to the psychiatric unit following a motor vehicle accident. The client reports experiencing recurrent flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, and hypervigilance. The nurse suspects the client is experiencing symptoms of PTSD. Which assessment finding further supports this suspicion?
Binge eating and weight gain
Nightmares, difficulty concentrating, and irritability
Purging the last meal
Decreased energy and fatigue
The Correct Answer is B
A. Binge eating and weight gain are more commonly associated with eating disorders or other psychological conditions, not PTSD.
B. Nightmares, difficulty concentrating, and irritability are key symptoms of PTSD, reflecting the psychological impact of trauma. These are consistent with the intrusive and arousal symptoms associated with PTSD.
C. Purging is associated with eating disorders, not PTSD.
D. Decreased energy and fatigue are common symptoms of depression, not specifically indicative of PTSD, although they can be seen in both conditions.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Posttraumatic stress response involves reliving traumatic events, flashbacks, and hyperarousal, not specifically avoidance due to anxiety about leaving the home.
B. Agoraphobia is characterized by a fear of situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable, leading to avoidance behavior such as being unable to leave home. It often co-occurs with panic disorder.
C. Generalized anxiety disorder involves excessive worry about multiple areas of life but not specific avoidance behaviors like agoraphobia.
D. Obsessive-compulsive disorder involves intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions), but not the avoidance behavior characteristic of agoraphobia.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Providing a structured activity schedule can be beneficial but comes after understanding the triggers of the behaviors.
B. Relaxation techniques are helpful but would be more effective after understanding the client's specific rituals and triggers.
C. The first step in managing obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is understanding the triggers or precipitating factors for the client's ritualistic behaviors. This helps the nurse identify patterns and understand the client's anxiety, which is essential for planning further interventions.
D. Discussing alternative coping strategies is important but should follow an assessment of the factors that drive the compulsive behaviors.
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