Understanding Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

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Questions and Answers

A client diagnosed with PTSD consistently avoids places and objects associated with their traumatic experience. What is the primary underlying mechanism driving this avoidance behavior?

Diminished cognitive processing speed affecting environmental awareness.
Classical conditioning where trauma-related stimuli elicit conditioned fear responses. (correct)
A conscious decision to prevent further emotional distress.
Impaired executive functioning leading to poor decision-making in stressful situations.

In the context of treating a patient with PTSD, what is the most critical consideration when deciding to utilize trauma-focused psychotherapy involving exposure?

Guaranteeing the patient that reliving the trauma will eliminate their symptoms.
Quickly exposing the patient to the most intense aspects of the trauma to expedite the desensitization process.
Assessing the patient's current coping skills and ensuring they have adequate resources to manage potential distress during and after exposure. (correct)
Administering anxiolytic medication immediately before each exposure session to minimize anxiety.

A client with PTSD reports persistent nightmares and flashbacks involving a recurring theme that symbolizes feelings of helplessness and loss of control during the traumatic event. What therapeutic intervention would be the most appropriate initial step?

Prescribing a high dose of sedative medication to suppress nightmare occurrence.
Immediately starting prolonged exposure therapy to desensitize the patient to the traumatic memories.
Offering a detailed account of the original trauma narrative to challenge the client's distorted beliefs.
Teaching the client grounding techniques and relaxation strategies to enhance their ability to manage anxiety and dissociation during flashbacks. (correct)

What is a crucial instruction to provide a patient who is newly prescribed an SSRI for PTSD, particularly concerning potential adverse effects and monitoring?

They should immediately report any emergent suicidal thoughts or worsening mood changes, as these medications can sometimes increase the risk of suicidal ideation. (A) Signup and view all the answers

A patient with PTSD is participating in group therapy. During a session, another patient shares a graphic account of their traumatic experience, triggering a severe panic attack in your patient. What is the most appropriate immediate intervention?

Immediately remove the patient from the group setting to a quiet, safe environment, and guide them through grounding and relaxation techniques. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How could the hyperarousal associated with PTSD manifest in a client's daily social interactions?

A tendency to misinterpret neutral social cues as hostile or threatening, leading to defensive reactions or social withdrawal. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the underlying theory behind incorporating physical activity as a coping strategy for individuals with PTSD?

To facilitate emotional expression and reduce physiological symptoms of anxiety and hyperarousal by regulating the stress response system. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to discourage the use of herbal supplements like St. John's Wort, or analgesics like Tramadol or Methadone in individuals being treated for PTSD with SSRIs?

Because these substances may interact with SSRIs, leading to serotonin syndrome or reduced effectiveness of prescribed medications. (B) Signup and view all the answers

In establishing trust with a PTSD client, which approach would be most effective.

Consistently demonstrating empathy, active listening, and respecting the client's pace in disclosing details about their experience. (D) Signup and view all the answers

A person is involved in a traumatic event and develops PTSD. How would the body's physiological response perpetuate the state of hyperarousal?

By chronically releasing stress hormones and chemicals, reinforcing the body's perception of ongoing threat. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which clinical presentation would indicate a potential complication of PTSD that warrants immediate assessment?

New onset of suicidal ideation with a concrete plan. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the most crucial factor in determining the effectiveness of support systems for a client with PTSD?

The ability of the support system to provide consistent, empathetic understanding and validation of the client's experience. (D) Signup and view all the answers

A client with PTSD is struggling with concentration. How can the nurse create an supportive therapeutic environment that is conducive to effective communication?

Providing a quiet, private space with minimal distractions during therapy sessions. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement made by a client with PTSD would indicate that they are actively utilizing journaling as a coping strategy effectively?

"I use my journal to explore and process difficult emotions and thoughts related to my trauma." (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the most important reason for assessing a client's history of trauma and current PTSD symptoms when they present with a substance use disorder?

To identify potential underlying trauma that may be driving the substance use as a form of self-medication. (B) Signup and view all the answers

A client with PTSD experiences persistent amnesia regarding specific details of their traumatic experience. What does this suggest?

The client may be experiencing dissociative amnesia, a defense mechanism where traumatic memories are unconsciously blocked from conscious awareness. (A) Signup and view all the answers

A client with PTSD reports intrusive flashbacks. What would you expect to be happening?

Client would be reliving the event through intrusive and repetitive flashbacks and nightmares. (A) Signup and view all the answers

A client with PTSD is going through trauma focused psychotherapy. What would you expect from this intervention:

Client will have to identify triggers. (C) Signup and view all the answers

A client with PTSD reports social withdrawal. Which factor is most relevant in perpetuating this withdrawal?

Heightened sensitivity to social cues, leading to perception of threat. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How can the nurse promote self-efficacy during care?

Providing options and encouraging decision-making. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What are some somatic symptoms a client with PTSD might be experiencing?

Muscle tension, headaches, and gastrointestinal distress. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement demonstrates consideration of cultural factors in treating PTSD?

Adapting treatment approaches to align with the client's cultural values, beliefs, and practices. (C) Signup and view all the answers

After a traumatic event, the client's physical integrity or sense of self is threatened or harmed. How can you recognize this?

Client experiences a diminished sense of self-worth. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does breathing exercise help with PTSD?

It reduces hyperarousal by activating the parasympathetic nervous system. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How can providing information help a client with PTSD?

It validates experiences and promotes understanding. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What would be the most direct physiological manifestation of the negative mood and condition associated with PTSD?

Chronic muscle tension and fatigue. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to understand client's occupational issues?

To understand barriers to work and address functional impairments. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which is not a clinical feature associated with PTSD:

Client has a desire to engage with their friends. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between SSRIs and serotonin levels?

SSRIs increase serotonin. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What happens if the symptoms of PTSD take place over several years?

It requires more intensive support. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the priority in treatment

Client to express needs at their own pace. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the initial focus of treatment for addressing PTSD?

Trauma. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between PTD and support?

Support decreases anxiety (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of breathing exercises for PTD?

Decreases hyper arousal. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the most realistic statement about treatment?

Long process with possible struggles. (A) Signup and view all the answers

When dealing with a client that has PTSD, what is the important step to do?

Never push or force. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What should be included and addressed when looking at someone as a whole with PTSD?

All the above (C) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

PTSD: Definition

Exposure to a traumatic event where physical integrity or sense of self is threatened or harmed.

PTSD: Clinical Feature

Reliving the event through intrusive flashbacks and nightmares.