A nurse is assessing a client who experienced a sexual assault. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an indication the client might be experiencing posttraumatic stress disorder?

Increased time sleeping

Inability to express empathy

Auditory hallucinations

Difficulty concentrating

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A. Increased time sleeping:
Increased time sleeping alone is not a specific or direct indicator of PTSD. However, changes in sleep patterns are common in individuals with PTSD, with symptoms like nightmares, insomnia, and disturbances in sleep. These disturbances can lead to increased time in bed, but this alone is not a definitive sign of PTSD.

B. Inability to express empathy:
Inability to express empathy is a complex issue and could be related to various emotional or psychological factors. While people with PTSD can experience difficulties in interpersonal relationships, including issues with empathy, this alone is not a specific indicator of the disorder. PTSD primarily involves symptoms related to re-experiencing trauma, avoidance, negative mood changes, and arousal symptoms.
C. Auditory hallucinations:
Auditory hallucinations, which involve hearing voices or sounds that others do not, are not typically associated with PTSD. This symptom is more commonly linked to conditions like schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders, but it is not specific to PTSD.

D. Difficulty concentrating:
Difficulty concentrating is a common and well-recognized symptom of PTSD. Individuals with PTSD often struggle with focus, memory, and attention due to the intrusion of traumatic thoughts and memories. This symptom can significantly impact their daily functioning and is one of the hallmark features of the disorder.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. "Talking about the traumatic experience is recommended."
This statement is generally correct. Many therapeutic approaches for PTSD, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy, involve talking about the traumatic experience in a controlled and supportive environment. However, the timing and method of discussing the trauma should be guided by a mental health professional.

B. "Response prevention is an effective treatment for PTSD."
This statement is incorrect. Response prevention is a therapeutic technique often used in the treatment of anxiety disorders like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It involves preventing the usual response to a trigger. However, for PTSD, exposure therapy, cognitive restructuring, and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) are more common therapeutic approaches.

C. "You should try to limit the number of hours that you sleep each day."
This statement is incorrect. Adequate sleep is crucial for overall mental and physical health, and disrupting sleep patterns can worsen symptoms of PTSD. Sleep disturbances are common in PTSD, and part of managing the disorder often involves addressing sleep problems.

D. "Avoiding stimuli that trigger memories of the trauma can help you overcome your PTSD."
This statement is generally correct. Avoiding triggers that bring back memories of the trauma is a common coping strategy. However, while avoidance might provide short-term relief, it's not a long-term solution. Evidence-based therapies often involve confronting and processing these triggers in a safe and controlled way, under the guidance of a therapist.

A. Rambling speech B. Insomnia C. Rapid mood swings D. Sundowning

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Rambling speech
Rambling speech is not a typical finding associated with depression. It may indicate other conditions or issues.

B. Insomnia
Insomnia, or difficulty sleeping, is a common symptom of depression. Many individuals with depression experience trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or both.

C. Rapid mood swings
Rapid mood swings are not typically associated with depression. Depression often involves persistent low mood rather than rapid fluctuations.

D. Sundowning
Sundowning refers to a state of confusion and restlessness that occurs in the late afternoon and evening, often seen in individuals with dementia. While it can be related to mood disturbances, it's not specific to depression.

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A nurse is assessing a client who experienced a sexual assault. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an indication the client might be experiencing posttraumatic stress disorder?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is providing teaching about disorder management for a client who has posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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