A nurse is responding to a parent of an adolescent who was recently diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder following a sexual assault.The parent mentions that their child has been experimenting with drugs. Why would they be doing this?
“This must be a difficult time for you.”.
“This is normal behavior for an adolescent. Nothing to be concerned about.”.
“I can understand your concerns. Which of these behaviors do you want to address first?”
“It’s very frustrating when children misbehave. Do any of your other children react the same way? What rules have you established for them?”
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
The adolescent’s experimentation with drugs could be a coping mechanism to deal with the trauma of the sexual assault and the subsequent posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Substance use, including drug use, is often a maladaptive coping strategy used by individuals
who have experienced trauma to numb their feelings, escape from their reality, or attempt to regain control. This must indeed be a difficult time for both the adolescent and the parent.
Choice B rationale
While experimentation is a part of normal adolescent behavior, it is not normal or healthy for an adolescent to use drugs, especially in response to a traumatic event such as a sexual assault. Drug use can lead to addiction, health problems, and further psychological distress. Therefore, it is something to be concerned about and addressed appropriately.
Choice C rationale
While it is important to understand and address the parent’s concerns, the focus should be on the adolescent’s needs. The adolescent is dealing with the aftermath of a sexual assault and a diagnosis of PTSD, and is using drugs. These are serious issues that need to be addressed with professional help. The question of which behavior to address first should be determined based on the adolescent’s immediate safety and well-being.
Choice D rationale
It is not helpful to label the adolescent’s behavior as misbehavior or to compare them to their siblings. Each child is unique and may react differently to stress and trauma. Instead of focusing on rules and comparisons, it would be more beneficial to provide support, understanding, and appropriate professional help.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event can indeed lead to the development of a trauma- related disorder. When a person’s natural coping mechanisms are overwhelmed by what they’re experiencing — physically, mentally, or both — their body does what it can to protect them. This includes short-term effects like emotional numbing or keeping them in a state of alertness. However, sometimes the effects of trauma linger, persisting throughout life, causing anxiety, trouble sleeping, and intrusive thoughts that can interfere with daily activities.
Choice B rationale
While genetics can play a role in the development of trauma-related disorders, it is not the sole cause. Trauma-related disorders typically develop after exposure to a traumatic or stressful event.
Choice C rationale
A chemical imbalance in the brain can be a result of trauma, but it is not the cause of trauma- related disorders. These disorders typically develop after exposure to a traumatic or stressful event.
Choice D rationale
Physical harm can indeed be traumatic and lead to the development of trauma-related disorders, but it is not a requirement. Trauma can also result from psychological, emotional, or environmental stressors.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Using EPA registered insect repellants is a form of primary prevention, as it aims to prevent tick bites, which are the primary mode of transmission for Lyme disease.
Choice B rationale
Checking your clothing and body for ticks after being outdoors is a form of secondary prevention. If a tick is found and removed before it has had a chance to transmit the bacteria that cause Lyme disease, this can prevent the disease from occurring.
Choice C rationale
Wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants while outdoors is another form of primary prevention, as it can help prevent tick bites.
Choice D rationale
Notifying your health care provider if you notice a rash (especially a bull’s-eye rash, which is a common early symptom of Lyme disease) is a form of tertiary prevention, as it involves managing the symptoms of an existing disease.
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