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 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.

If a client reports acute anxiety, the nurse's first priority should be to remain with the client. The nurse should provide a safe, supportive environment for the client and help the client feel less anxious. This can be accomplished by staying with the client, listening attentively to the client, and offering reassurance and support. Options A and D are appropriate actions to take when caring for a client with anxiety, but they are not the first priority.

Option B may be an appropriate intervention when caring for a client with anxiety, but it is not the first priority.