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.
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
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.
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Traumatic events can involve serious injuries. This choice accurately reflects that traumatic events can encompass a wide range of situations that result in physical harm, such as accidents, violence, or medical emergencies. These events can lead to significant injuries and medical consequences.
Choice C rationale:
Traumatic events can lead to mental disorders. This choice is correct because traumatic experiences can indeed trigger the development of mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety disorders, and more. The emotional impact of trauma can have lasting effects on a person's psychological well-being.
Choice D rationale:
Traumatic events can have long-lasting consequences. This choice is accurate as traumatic events can leave enduring impacts on individuals, affecting their mental, emotional, and physical well-being over an extended period. These consequences can range from chronic psychological distress to changes in behavior and relationships. Now, let's address the incorrect choices:
Choice B rationale:
Traumatic events only include natural disasters. This choice is incorrect because traumatic events are not limited to natural disasters alone. Trauma can result from various experiences, including accidents, violence, abuse, and more. Natural disasters are just one category of traumatic events.
Choice E rationale:
Traumatic events only affect certain age groups. This choice is also incorrect. Traumatic events can affect people of all ages, from children to the elderly. The impact of trauma is not restricted by age; it can influence anyone who experiences or witnesses a distressing event.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.