Podcast
Questions and Answers
- A nurse works with a client diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) who has frequent flashbacks as well as persistent symptoms of arousal. Which intervention should be included in the plan of care?
- A nurse works with a client diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) who has frequent flashbacks as well as persistent symptoms of arousal. Which intervention should be included in the plan of care?
- Four teenagers died in an automobile accident. One week later, which behavior by the parents of these teenagers most clearly demonstrates resilience?
- Four teenagers died in an automobile accident. One week later, which behavior by the parents of these teenagers most clearly demonstrates resilience?
- After the sudden death of his wife, a man says, “I can’t live without her ... she was my whole life.” What is the nurse’s most therapeutic reply?
- After the sudden death of his wife, a man says, “I can’t live without her ... she was my whole life.” What is the nurse’s most therapeutic reply?
- A woman just received notification that her husband died. She approaches the nurse who cared for him during his last hours and says angrily, “If you had given him your undivided attention, he would still be alive.” How should the nurse analyze this behavior?
- A woman just received notification that her husband died. She approaches the nurse who cared for him during his last hours and says angrily, “If you had given him your undivided attention, he would still be alive.” How should the nurse analyze this behavior?
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- A wife received news that her husband died of heart failure and called her family to come to the hospital. She angrily tells the nurse who cared for him, “He would still be alive if you had given him your undivided attention.” What is the nurse’s best intervention?
- A wife received news that her husband died of heart failure and called her family to come to the hospital. She angrily tells the nurse who cared for him, “He would still be alive if you had given him your undivided attention.” What is the nurse’s best intervention?
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- A child drowned while swimming in a local lake 2 years ago. Which behavior indicates the child’s parents have adapted to their loss?
- A child drowned while swimming in a local lake 2 years ago. Which behavior indicates the child’s parents have adapted to their loss?
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Study Notes
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- A client with PTSD may experience frequent flashbacks and persistent symptoms of arousal
- The plan of care should include interventions to address these symptoms
Coping with Loss
- The death of a loved one can lead to a range of emotions and reactions
- Resilience in response to loss can be demonstrated by behaviors such as:
- Finding ways to honor the deceased and create meaning from the loss
- Focusing on the positive aspects of the relationship
- Seeking support from others
- One week after the loss of a teenager, parents who demonstrate resilience might:
- Begin to make plans for a memorial or tribute
- Share stories and memories of their child
- Seek support from friends, family, or a support group
Therapeutic Communication
- When a person is grieving, it's essential to respond therapeutically
- A man who says, “I can’t live without her ...she was my whole life” may benefit from a response that:
- Acknowledges his feelings and validates his emotions
- Offers empathy and support
- Helps him to focus on the present moment and find ways to cope with his loss
- A therapeutic response might be: "I can only imagine how difficult this must be for you. It's okay to feel overwhelmed and unsure of how to move forward."
Dealing with Anger and Grief
- When a person is grieving, they may express anger or blame towards others
- This behavior can be a manifestation of their emotional pain and sense of loss
- The nurse should analyze this behavior as a:
- Normal response to grief
- Expression of emotional pain and sense of loss
- Opportunity to provide empathy and support
Supporting the Bereaved
- When a person is angry or blaming towards the nurse, it's essential to:
- Remain calm and empathetic
- Acknowledge their feelings and concerns
- Provide reassurance and support
- A suitable response might be: "I understand that you're upset, and I want you to know that I did everything I could to care for your husband. It's okay to feel angry and frustrated, but I want you to know that I'm here to support you."
Adapting to Loss
- Two years after the loss of a child, parents who have adapted to their loss might:
- Be able to talk about their child without becoming overwhelmed
- Find ways to honor their child's memory and create meaning from the loss
- Begin to re-engage in activities and relationships they had previously avoided
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Description
Learn about the appropriate intervention for a client diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) experiencing frequent flashbacks and persistent arousal symptoms.
