A client who experienced a traumatic event presents with physical symptoms such as headaches and chronic pain. These symptoms can be attributed to which clinical manifestation of PTSD?
Psychological signs.
Emotional signs.
Physical signs.
Social signs.
The Correct Answer is C
Physical signs.
Choice A rationale:
Psychological signs involve cognitive and mental aspects of PTSD, such as flashbacks and intrusive thoughts.
Choice B rationale:
Emotional signs encompass mood-related manifestations like fear, anger, and guilt.
Choice D rationale:
Social signs refer to difficulties in interpersonal relationships and isolation. In contrast, Choice C, physical signs, include symptoms like headaches and chronic pain which are commonly associated with PTSD due to the physiological stress response triggered by the traumatic event. This response can lead to increased muscle tension and altered pain perception, resulting in these physical symptoms. Such somatic complaints are integral to the diagnosis of PTSD, and they often coexist with other psychological and emotional symptoms.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice B rationale:
Avoidance symptoms. This choice is accurate because the client's behavior of avoiding the site where the traumatic event occurred is characteristic of avoidance symptoms in PTSD. People with PTSD often go to great lengths to avoid reminders and triggers associated with the trauma. Now, let's address the other choices:
Choice A rationale:
Intrusion symptoms. This choice is incorrect in this context. Intrusion symptoms involve unwanted memories, nightmares, and flashbacks that intrude into a person's consciousness. Avoiding the site of the traumatic event does not align with this symptom cluster.
Choice C rationale:
Negative alterations in cognition and mood. This choice is not applicable to the client's behavior described. Negative alterations in cognition and mood involve feelings of detachment, distorted emotions, and negative beliefs about oneself or the world. Avoiding a specific location does not directly relate to this cluster.
Choice D rationale:
Alterations in arousal and reactivity. This choice is also incorrect for the given behavior. Alterations in arousal and reactivity include symptoms like irritability, hypervigilance, and difficulty concentrating. Avoidance of a particular site is not directly related to this symptom cluster.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The answer is choice C
Choice A rationale:
Assisting the client in identifying and challenging negative thoughts might be more appropriate for addressing cognitive distortions in conditions like depression or anxiety disorders, but it might not directly address the alterations in arousal and reactivity characteristic of PTSD.
Choice B rationale:
Encouraging the client to discuss their traumatic experience in detail could potentially trigger retraumatization and exacerbate the symptoms. Exposure therapy, which involves discussing the trauma, is generally done in a controlled and gradual manner under the guidance of a therapist.
Choice C rationale:
Teaching the client grounding techniques to manage anxiety is the most appropriate option. Grounding techniques help individuals stay connected to the present moment, reduce feelings of detachment, and manage anxiety. Techniques might include deep breathing, mindfulness, or using sensory cues to anchor oneself.
Choice D rationale:
Providing the client with a list of community resources for support is important, but it does not directly address the specific symptom cluster of alterations in arousal and reactivity. This intervention might be more relevant for overall support and coping, but not for managing the specific symptoms mentioned.
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