A nurse is assessing a client who experienced a sexual assault. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an indication the client might be experiencing posttraumatic stress disorder?
Increased time sleeping
Inability to express empathy
Auditory hallucinations
Difficulty concentrating
The Correct Answer is D
A. Increased time sleeping:
Increased time sleeping alone is not a specific or direct indicator of PTSD. However, changes in sleep patterns are common in individuals with PTSD, with symptoms like nightmares, insomnia, and disturbances in sleep. These disturbances can lead to increased time in bed, but this alone is not a definitive sign of PTSD.
B. Inability to express empathy:
Inability to express empathy is a complex issue and could be related to various emotional or psychological factors. While people with PTSD can experience difficulties in interpersonal relationships, including issues with empathy, this alone is not a specific indicator of the disorder. PTSD primarily involves symptoms related to re-experiencing trauma, avoidance, negative mood changes, and arousal symptoms.
C. Auditory hallucinations:
Auditory hallucinations, which involve hearing voices or sounds that others do not, are not typically associated with PTSD. This symptom is more commonly linked to conditions like schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders, but it is not specific to PTSD.
D. Difficulty concentrating:
Difficulty concentrating is a common and well-recognized symptom of PTSD. Individuals with PTSD often struggle with focus, memory, and attention due to the intrusion of traumatic thoughts and memories. This symptom can significantly impact their daily functioning and is one of the hallmark features of the disorder.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Liraglutide 0.6 mg subcutaneously daily:
Liraglutide is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity. It works by regulating blood sugar levels and reducing appetite. It has no direct relevance to the treatment of schizophrenia or psychosis. Schizophrenia is a mental health disorder, and antipsychotic medications are typically used to manage its symptoms.
B. Selegiline 6 mg transdermal patch daily:
Selegiline is primarily used to treat Parkinson's disease by enhancing the effects of dopamine in the brain. It is not indicated for schizophrenia or psychosis. While dopamine dysregulation is involved in both Parkinson's disease and schizophrenia, the mechanisms and treatments are different. Antipsychotic medications, not selegiline, are used to manage psychosis in schizophrenia.
C. Aripiprazole 400 mg IM every 4 weeks:
This is the correct choice. Aripiprazole is an atypical antipsychotic medication commonly used to treat schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. The intramuscular (IM) formulation provides extended release, making it suitable for clients who may have difficulty adhering to daily oral medications. It helps manage psychosis, a common symptom of schizophrenia.
D. Lithium 600 mg PO three times per day:
Lithium is a mood stabilizer commonly used to treat bipolar disorder by preventing or reducing the intensity of manic episodes. It is not a first-line treatment for schizophrenia or psychosis. Antipsychotic medications are the primary choice for managing the symptoms of psychosis in schizophrenia. Lithium is not typically used to address the hallucinations and delusions associated with schizophrenia.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. A client who reports that he enjoys smoking marijuana on weekends:
This situation involves an individual admitting to recreational drug use. While marijuana use might be illegal in some jurisdictions, it is generally not a reportable offense by itself unless it involves a minor. However, the nurse should educate the client about the potential risks associated with drug use.
B. A client who reports that she took $20 from the cash register where she works:
This scenario involves a confession of theft. While stealing is a legal offense, it does not fall under the category of mandatory reporting unless it involves abuse or neglect of a vulnerable population (such as elderly individuals in a care facility). The appropriate action here would be for the nurse to address the issue within the facility's protocols, but it does not require reporting to an external agency.
C. A client who reports lying to his provider about having suicidal ideation:
This situation involves dishonesty with a healthcare provider. While it is concerning behavior, it does not typically fall under the category of mandatory reporting. Instead, it highlights the importance of addressing trust issues and ensuring open communication between the client and healthcare providers.
D. A client who reports that her partner ties their child to a bed as punishment:
This scenario involves a report of child abuse. Tying a child to a bed as punishment can be considered a form of physical abuse and a violation of the child's safety and well-being. Healthcare professionals, including nurses, are mandated reporters of suspected child abuse or neglect. They are required by law to report such incidents to the appropriate child protective services agency to ensure the safety of the child involved.
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.