A client with PTSD is experiencing alterations in arousal and reactivity. Which nursing intervention would be most appropriate for this symptom cluster?

Assisting the client in identifying and challenging negative thoughts.

Encouraging the client to discuss their traumatic experience in detail.

Teaching the client grounding techniques to manage anxiety.

Providing the client with a list of community resources for support.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

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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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Intrusion symptoms. This choice is accurate because the client's statement about recurring nightmares and intrusive thoughts related to the accident aligns with the intrusion symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Intrusion symptoms involve distressing memories, nightmares, and flashbacks that "intrude" into the person's consciousness. Now, let's address the other choices:

Choice B rationale:

Avoidance symptoms. This choice is incorrect for this scenario. Avoidance symptoms in PTSD involve efforts to avoid reminders, thoughts, or situations associated with the traumatic event. The client's statement does not specifically reflect avoidance behaviors.

Choice C rationale:

Negative alterations in cognition and mood. This choice is also incorrect in this context. Negative alterations in cognition and mood include feelings of detachment, negative beliefs, and distorted emotions. The client's statement does not directly relate to these alterations.

Choice D rationale:

Alterations in arousal and reactivity. This choice is incorrect for the given statement. Alterations in arousal and reactivity involve symptoms like irritability, hypervigilance, and exaggerated startle response. The client's description of recurring nightmares and intrusive thoughts does not align with this symptom cluster.

A. Intrusion symptoms. B. Avoidance symptoms. C. Negative alterations in cognition and mood. D. Alterations in arousal and reactivity.

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.

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A client with PTSD is experiencing alterations in arousal and reactivity. Which nursing intervention would be most appropriate for this symptom cluster?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The client states, "I keep having nightmares about the accident and I can't get them out of my head." This statement is an example of which symptom cluster of PTSD?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is providing care to a client with PTSD. The client avoids going to the site where the traumatic event occurred. This behavior is an example of which symptom cluster of PTSD?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is assessing a client who has experienced a traumatic event. Which of the following would be considered a traumatic event according to the text?

A nurse is assessing a client for potential PTSD symptoms. Which statement by the client indicates they are experiencing intrusion symptoms?

A nurse is educating a group of individuals about trauma and its effects. Which of the following statements accurately describe traumatic events? Select all that apply.

A nurse is assessing a client who experienced a traumatic event one week ago. The client is unable to remember important aspects of the event and reports feeling detached from their surroundings. Which symptom is the nurse observing in this client?

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?

(Select all that apply): A nurse is conducting an assessment of a client with acute stress disorder (ASD). Which physical signs might the nurse find in the client?

A nurse is planning care for a client with PTSD. Which intervention is appropriate for addressing avoidance symptoms?

A client with PTSD is experiencing alterations in arousal and reactivity. Which nursing intervention would be most appropriate for this symptom cluster?