A nurse is caring for a client who witnessed her brother's homicide and has posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
The client talks constantly about the traumatic experience.
The client is constantly drowsy and sleeps 11-12 hr daily.
The client reports satisfying personal relationships with family and close friends.
The client is easily startled by loud voices.
The Correct Answer is D
The client is easily startled by loud voices. Clients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may exhibit hyperarousal symptoms, including exaggerated startle responses and hypervigilance. The client talking constantly about the traumatic experience is a possible finding in PTSD but not specific. The client is constantly drowsy and sleeping 11-12 hours daily is more associated with depression than PTSD. While the client may have satisfying personal relationships, it does not address the question of what finding to expect with PTSD, making choice C incorrect.
Reasons why the other choices are not answers:
Choice A, the client talking constantly about the traumatic experience, is a possible symptom of PTSD, but it is not specific to the disorder and may also indicate other disorders.
Choice B, the client being constantly drowsy and sleeping 11-12 hours daily, is more indicative of depression than PTSD and also does not address the question of finding expected with PTSD.
Choice C, the client reports satisfying personal relationships with family and close friends, does not address what finding is expected with PTSD, making it an incorrect answer.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
"I know you will do well living out in the community.". When a client expresses feelings of gratitude towards a nurse as they are about to be discharged, they are mostly affirming the therapeutic relationship between both parties. The nurse should acknowledge this affirmation clearly, warmly, and humbly, while encouraging the client's progress and independence. Choice D, "I know you will do well living out in the community" acknowledges the client's progress and offers encouragement.
Choice A, "Aren't you excited about being discharged today?" is a closed question that does not encourage the client's progress.
Choice B, "How do you feel about being discharged?" is not the best response because it is too broad.
Choice C, "I will send you a note in a few weeks" does not offer affirmation and encouragement to the client.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Altered level of consciousness (LOC). Increased ICP can cause decreased LOC or changes in mental status, including confusion, agitation, or coma.
Options A, amnesia, and B, tachycardia, are not necessarily indicative of increased ICP, while option D, hypotension, is actually a sign of decreased ICP. Monitoring for elevated ICP is critical in patients with traumatic brain injury, and early recognition and intervention can be lifesaving. The nurse should report any changes in the patient's level of consciousness or other neurological symptoms to the provider immediately.
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