A nurse is assessing a client for potential PTSD symptoms. Which statement by the client indicates they are experiencing intrusion symptoms?
"I've been feeling really detached from everyone lately.”
"I keep having nightmares about the accident.”
"I can't seem to stop thinking about what happened.”
"I've been feeling very irritable and on edge.”
The Correct Answer is B
"I keep having nightmares about the accident."
Choice A rationale:
Feeling detached from others is a characteristic of the numbing/avoidance cluster of PTSD symptoms, not intrusion symptoms.
Choice C rationale:
Involuntary, distressing thoughts about the traumatic event are indicative of intrusion symptoms, which are encapsulated by Choice B.
Choice D rationale:
Feeling irritable and on edge falls under the hyperarousal symptom category. Choice B, the correct choice, relates to nightmares about the traumatic incident, a classic intrusion symptom. These nightmares can re-traumatize the individual, making sleep challenging and contributing to the overall distress associated with PTSD.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Providing the client with information about local support groups.
Choice A rationale:
Encouraging relaxation techniques targets symptom management but doesn't directly address avoidance symptoms.
Choice C rationale:
Cognitive-behavioral techniques are helpful for various PTSD symptoms, but they primarily focus on modifying thought patterns and behaviors.
Choice D rationale:
Medications can alleviate symptoms like anxiety but don't specifically tackle avoidance symptoms. In contrast, Choice B is the most suitable intervention for addressing avoidance symptoms. Individuals with PTSD often avoid situations, places, or people that trigger memories of the trauma. Connecting them with local support groups can provide a safe environment to discuss their experiences, gradually reducing avoidance behavior. Peer support can offer validation, normalization, and sharing of coping strategies, which can ultimately aid in diminishing avoidance symptoms.
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.
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.