A nurse is manning a phone line for trauma and crisis support.
A client on the phone inquires, “Could you explain how trauma-related disorders develop?” Which response should the nurse provide?

The correct answer is Choice C

Choice A rationale: A reluctance to leave the house for over a year suggests a struggle with grief and possibly depression but does not specifically indicate traumatic grief. It reflects difficulty in moving forward but lacks the intense guilt associated with traumatic grief.

Choice B rationale: Inability to cry due to a perceived need to be strong reflects emotional suppression and societal expectations. It does not directly point to traumatic grief, which often involves more severe symptoms like intense guilt and preoccupation with the deceased.

Choice C rationale: Feeling that one should have been killed instead of a friend indicates severe survivor guilt, a core component of traumatic grief. This statement reflects an intense emotional reaction and an inability to reconcile the loss, leading to profound distress and dysfunction.

Choice D rationale: Flashbacks and physical symptoms like a racing heart suggest post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) rather than traumatic grief. PTSD involves re-experiencing traumatic events, whereas traumatic grief focuses more on the loss and associated guilt

Choice A rationale
Having a mother who had you when she was in high school does not necessarily indicate a protective factor. It could mean that the mother was not fully prepared for the responsibilities of parenthood, which could have led to a less stable upbringing.
Choice B rationale
Having parents in the military and moving a lot since birth can be a source of stress and instability for a child. Constantly changing environments and having to adapt to new schools and make new friends can be challenging and anxiety-inducing.
Choice C rationale
Having a supportive and understanding teacher can be a significant protective factor for an adolescent with an anxiety disorder. A teacher who listens well can provide a safe and supportive environment for the student to express their feelings and concerns, which can help alleviate anxiety.
Choice D rationale

Having a sibling with health problems can be a source of stress and anxiety for a child. The parents’ attention might be primarily focused on the sibling’s health issues, which could lead to feelings of neglect or added pressure to be the “healthy” or “problem-free” child.