A nurse is caring for a client who was involved in heavy combat and observed war casualties. The nurse should suspect that the client is suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) if the client makes which of the following statements?
"My child was born with a birth defect due to an exposure I had overseas."
I check any room I enter because the enemy is still after me and could be hiding anywhere."
"In my dreams, all I can see are the wounded reaching out and trying to grab me."
"I killed four enemy soldiers with my bare hands and saved my entire battalion."
The Correct Answer is C
A) "My child was born with a birth defect due to an exposure I had overseas."
This statement does not directly relate to the core symptoms of PTSD. While exposure to trauma can have a variety of consequences, including potential exposure-related health issues, this statement does not necessarily indicate the re-experiencing, avoidance, or hyperarousal symptoms characteristic of PTSD.
B) "I check any room I enter because the enemy is still after me and could be hiding anywhere."
This statement is more indicative of hyperarousal and hypervigilance, which are common symptoms of PTSD. However, it does not explicitly involve re-experiencing the traumatic event through nightmares or intrusive memories, as described in the correct answer.
C) "In my dreams, all I can see are the wounded reaching out and trying to grab me."
Explanation:
The statement "In my dreams, all I can see are the wounded reaching out and trying to grab me" indicates symptoms commonly associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This statement reflects the re-experiencing symptom cluster of PTSD, where individuals may have distressing and intrusive memories, nightmares, or flashbacks related to the traumatic event they experienced. The imagery of wounded individuals trying to grab the person suggests a strong emotional impact and ongoing distress related to the traumatic experience.
D) "I killed four enemy soldiers with my bare hands and saved my entire battalion."
While this statement might reflect exposure to a traumatic event and could contribute to symptoms of PTSD, it is presented in a way that seems more like a narrative of heroic actions rather than a symptom of distress or re-experiencing.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["2"]
Explanation
The nurse is preparing to administer benztropine 2 mg IM every 12 hours. The concentration of the available benztropine is 1 mg/mL.
To calculate the volume (mL) of the medication needed for the prescribed dose, you can use the formula:
Volume (mL) = Dose (mg) / Concentration (mg/mL)
Plugging in the values:
Volume (mL) = 2 mg / 1 mg/mL = 2 mL
So, the nurse should administer 2 mL of benztropine 1 mg/mL for each dose. Since we're looking for a whole number, we round to the nearest whole number, which is 2 mL.

Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. A pretreatment electroencephalogram (EEG) will be done.
An EEG is not typically necessary when starting valproate for bipolar disorder. EEGs are more commonly used to assess brain activity in the context of epilepsy.
B. High serum sodium levels can cause toxic levels of valproate.
Sodium levels are not directly related to the toxic levels of valproate. The primary concern with valproate is its impact on liver function and potential for hepatotoxicity.
C. Liver function tests must be monitored.
Explanation: Valproate is an antiepileptic and mood-stabilizing medication commonly used to treat bipolar disorder. One of the potential side effects of valproate is hepatotoxicity (liver damage). Therefore, monitoring liver function tests (such as serum transaminases) is important to assess the medication's impact on the liver and to ensure the client's safety.
D. Thyroid function tests should be performed every 6 months.
While thyroid function tests might be important for some medications, monitoring thyroid function is not a primary consideration when using valproate. The main focus with valproate is on liver function monitoring.
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.
