A client who usually is very active in her therapy group tells the nurse that she really does "not feel well today" and would "rather not attend the group therapy session. Which is the nurse's most appropriate response?

A. This is the most likely diagnosis based on the information provided. The teenager's reaction to the firecrackers is a classic example of a trigger response associated with PTSD. The loud noise is likely triggering a flashback to the school shooting, causing the individual to react as if they are back in the traumatic event.
B. OCD involves recurrent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions). While the behavior might seem repetitive, it's directly linked to a traumatic event, making PTSD a more likely diagnosis.
C. This is a broad term that could encompass various mental health conditions. While the behavior might seem unusual, it's a direct response to a traumatic experience, making PTSD more specific.
D. A phobia is an irrational fear of a specific object or situation. While the teenager might exhibit fear, the response is directly linked to a traumatic event, making PTSD a more appropriate diagnosis.

A. This category typically involves a person who is unable or unwilling to come to terms with significant life changes or losses, such as financial difficulties, health problems, or other major life transitions. The patient in the scenario does not seem to be demonstrating a refusal to accept a diminished lifestyle but rather a reaction to a specific event, the end of her engagement.
B. This category describes a situation where the individual’s suicide attempt is not solely intended to result in death but rather is a way of expressing severe distress and seeking help. In this case, the patient’s action of calling friends and family immediately after the overdose indicates that she may have been reaching out for help and wanted others to know what she had done. This behavior aligns with a cry for help, as it reflects a desire for intervention and support rather than a determination to die.
C. This category involves a persistent and obsessive focus on suicidal thoughts or plans. While the patient has attempted suicide, the scenario described does not emphasize a long-standing preoccupation with suicide. Instead, it highlights a reaction to a recent distressing event.
D. This category is characterized by the use of suicide as a means to escape or alleviate intense emotional pain or distress. While this might be a factor in the patient’s behavior, the immediate act of calling friends and family after taking the medication suggests that her intention was more focused on seeking help than solely relieving distress.