You are preparing to care for a patient.
Which skill would you use as the foundation for all aspects of the patient's care?

Choice A rationale:

This statement indicates the patient is relying on the doctor’s opinion, not making an informed decision.

Choice B rationale:

This statement indicates the patient is overwhelmed, not making an informed decision.

Choice C rationale:

This statement indicates the patient is confused, not making an informed decision.

Choice D rationale:

This statement indicates the patient has considered the options and made an informed decision.

Choice A rationale:

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder that affects the large intestine. It’s not a stress-related disorder.

Choice B rationale:

Acute stress disorder (ASD) occurs immediately after a traumatic event, not a year later.

Choice C rationale:

Episodic acute stress involves frequent bouts of stress, not flashbacks of a traumatic event.

Choice D rationale:

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a disorder characterized by failure to recover after experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event. The condition may last months or years, with triggers that can bring back memories of the trauma accompanied by intense emotional and physical reactions, such as flashbacks, as described in the scenario.