A nurse is educating a group of individuals about trauma and its effects. Which of the following statements accurately describe traumatic events? Select all that apply.

Providing the client with information about local support groups.

Choice A rationale:

Encouraging relaxation techniques targets symptom management but doesn't directly address avoidance symptoms.

Choice C rationale:

Cognitive-behavioral techniques are helpful for various PTSD symptoms, but they primarily focus on modifying thought patterns and behaviors.

Choice D rationale:

Medications can alleviate symptoms like anxiety but don't specifically tackle avoidance symptoms. In contrast, Choice B is the most suitable intervention for addressing avoidance symptoms. Individuals with PTSD often avoid situations, places, or people that trigger memories of the trauma. Connecting them with local support groups can provide a safe environment to discuss their experiences, gradually reducing avoidance behavior. Peer support can offer validation, normalization, and sharing of coping strategies, which can ultimately aid in diminishing avoidance symptoms.

The answer is choice C

Choice A rationale:

Assisting the client in identifying and challenging negative thoughts might be more appropriate for addressing cognitive distortions in conditions like depression or anxiety disorders, but it might not directly address the alterations in arousal and reactivity characteristic of PTSD.

Choice B rationale:

Encouraging the client to discuss their traumatic experience in detail could potentially trigger retraumatization and exacerbate the symptoms. Exposure therapy, which involves discussing the trauma, is generally done in a controlled and gradual manner under the guidance of a therapist.

Choice C rationale:

Teaching the client grounding techniques to manage anxiety is the most appropriate option. Grounding techniques help individuals stay connected to the present moment, reduce feelings of detachment, and manage anxiety. Techniques might include deep breathing, mindfulness, or using sensory cues to anchor oneself.

Choice D rationale:

Providing the client with a list of community resources for support is important, but it does not directly address the specific symptom cluster of alterations in arousal and reactivity. This intervention might be more relevant for overall support and coping, but not for managing the specific symptoms mentioned.