A nurse is assessing a client who has posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following a sexual assault. Which of the following is an expected finding?
Increasing feelings of anger.
Sleeping 12 hours or more each day.
Increasing sense of attachment to others.
Constant need to talk about the event.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
Anger is a common and expected response to trauma, including sexual assault. It can stem from various sources, including:
Feelings of violation and powerlessness: Survivors may feel intense anger towards the perpetrator for taking control of their bodies and lives.
Betrayal: If the assault was committed by someone they knew or trusted, survivors may feel intense anger towards that person for breaking their trust.
Frustration and injustice: Survivors may feel angry at the injustice of the situation, the lack of control they had, and the ongoing impact of the trauma.
Difficulty processing other emotions: Anger can sometimes mask other emotions that are difficult to deal with, such as fear, sadness, or guilt.
Anger can manifest in various ways, including:
Irritability and outbursts: Survivors may have a short temper, snap at others easily, or have difficulty controlling their anger. Aggression: In some cases, anger can lead to physical or verbal aggression towards others or self-harming behaviors.
Withdrawal and isolation: Some survivors may withdraw from social interactions and relationships to avoid potential triggers for their anger.
Substance abuse: Some survivors may turn to alcohol or drugs to numb their feelings or cope with their anger.
Choice B rationale:
Sleeping 12 hours or more each day can be a symptom of PTSD, but it is not a specific indicator of anger. It can also be a sign of depression, anxiety, or hypersomnia, a sleep disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness.
Choice C rationale:
PTSD can sometimes lead to an increased sense of detachment from others, rather than attachment. Survivors may feel emotionally numb, have difficulty trusting others, or withdraw from relationships.
Choice D rationale:
While some survivors of sexual assault may feel a need to talk about the event, it is not a universal symptom of PTSD. Some survivors may avoid talking about the event altogether due to the distress it causes.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The client’s reported behavior of using laxatives and inducing vomiting after eating can lead to a condition known as hypomagnesemia. Hypomagnesemia is a condition characterized by low levels of magnesium in the blood. This condition can be caused by poor intake, excessive loss, or movement of magnesium from the blood into less accessible locations. The use of laxatives can lead to excessive loss of magnesium through increased bowel movements. Similarly, self-induced vomiting can also result in a loss of magnesium. Therefore, the client’s behavior puts them at risk for developing hypomagnesemia.
Choice B rationale:
Renal failure, also known as kidney failure, occurs when the kidneys lose their ability to filter waste products from the blood. While the use of laxatives and self-induced vomiting can lead to dehydration, which can strain the kidneys, these behaviors are not directly associated with renal failure. Therefore, while it’s possible for the client to develop kidney problems, it’s less likely compared to hypomagnesemia.
Choice C rationale:
Heart failure occurs when the heart muscle doesn’t pump blood as well as it should. This condition can cause symptoms like shortness of breath, swelling, fatigue, and other symptoms. While severe electrolyte imbalances, such as those that might result from the use of laxatives and self-induced vomiting, can affect heart function, they would typically result in arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) rather than heart failure. Therefore, it’s less likely for the client to develop heart failure based on the behaviors described.
Choice D rationale:
Hyperthyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland produces and releases too much thyroid hormone. This condition can cause symptoms like rapid heartbeat, weight loss, and anxiety. The client’s behaviors of using laxatives and inducing vomiting after eating do not directly influence the production of thyroid hormones. Therefore, it’s less likely for the client to develop hyperthyroidism based on the behaviors described.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
This statement is accusatory and blaming, rather than promoting understanding and problem-solving. It focuses on the negative behavior of the sibling and seeks external validation for the speaker's feelings, rather than attempting to address the underlying issue directly with the sibling.
It uses "should" language, which can come across as judgmental and critical, potentially escalating conflict.
It does not express the speaker's own feelings or needs, making it difficult for the other person to understand and respond effectively.
Choice B rationale:
While this statement demonstrates a willingness to take responsibility for actions, it does not directly address the communication between the family members. It focuses on redirecting the father's anger rather than exploring the underlying reasons for the conflict.
It could be interpreted as silencing the children's voices and potentially reinforcing a hierarchical dynamic within the family, where one parent holds authority over the others.
Choice C rationale:
This statement is manipulative and threatening, using a fear of exposure to control the other person's behavior. It undermines trust and safety within the family, making it difficult to have open and honest communication.
It does not address the core issue at hand and instead escalates conflict by using a "tit-for-tat" approach.
Choice D rationale:
This statement effectively demonstrates several key principles of effective communication: It expresses curiosity and a genuine desire to understand the other person's perspective.
It avoids accusations or assumptions, instead inviting open dialogue.
It focuses on specific behaviors and events ("each time you go to the mall") rather than making sweeping generalizations about the person's character.
It uses "I" language to express the speaker's own feelings and concerns, inviting empathy and understanding.
It creates an opportunity for the other person to share their perspective and work towards a resolution together.
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