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?

Choice A rationale:

Taking a vacation (Choice A) might be enjoyable or stressful depending on the circumstances, but it is not generally considered a traumatic event as it does not involve a threat to one's physical or psychological well-being.

Choice B rationale:

Changing jobs (Choice B) is a significant life event, but it is not inherently a traumatic event. It can be a positive or negative experience, depending on the individual's perspective.

Choice C rationale:

Experiencing a natural disaster (Choice C) is a traumatic event according to the text. Natural disasters can result in life-threatening situations, loss of property, and psychological distress, potentially leading to long-lasting effects on mental health.

Choice D rationale:

Celebrating a birthday (Choice D) is a joyful occasion and is not considered a traumatic event. It typically brings positive emotions and does not involve exposure to harm or danger.

Choice A rationale:

Intrusive memories are characterized by the sudden and distressing re-experiencing of the traumatic event. These memories can be in the form of flashbacks or nightmares and are not directly related to the client's reported inability to remember aspects of the event and feeling detached.

Choice B rationale:

Negative mood, while common in PTSD, pertains to feelings of sadness, anger, or guilt. It is not the primary symptom described in this scenario, where the client is struggling with memory gaps and detachment.

Choice C rationale:

The nurse is observing dissociation in this client. Dissociation involves feeling disconnected from oneself or the environment, often as a defense mechanism in response to trauma. This can manifest as depersonalization (feeling detached from one's own body) or derealization (feeling detached from one's surroundings).

Choice D rationale:

Avoidance refers to the avoidance of reminders or situations associated with the traumatic event. While it can be a symptom of PTSD, it doesn't fully capture the reported memory issues and detachment observed in this client.

Choice E rationale:

Arousal symptoms involve heightened physiological responses such as hypervigilance, irritability, and exaggerated startle responses. These symptoms are not the primary focus of the scenario, which is centered around memory gaps and detachment.