A nurse is assessing a client who has posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following a sexual assault. Which of the following is an expected finding?
Increasing feelings of anger.
Sleeping 12 hours or more each day.
Increasing sense of attachment to others.
Constant need to talk about the event.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
Anger is a common and expected response to trauma, including sexual assault. It can stem from various sources, including:
Feelings of violation and powerlessness: Survivors may feel intense anger towards the perpetrator for taking control of their bodies and lives.
Betrayal: If the assault was committed by someone they knew or trusted, survivors may feel intense anger towards that person for breaking their trust.
Frustration and injustice: Survivors may feel angry at the injustice of the situation, the lack of control they had, and the ongoing impact of the trauma.
Difficulty processing other emotions: Anger can sometimes mask other emotions that are difficult to deal with, such as fear, sadness, or guilt.
Anger can manifest in various ways, including:
Irritability and outbursts: Survivors may have a short temper, snap at others easily, or have difficulty controlling their anger. Aggression: In some cases, anger can lead to physical or verbal aggression towards others or self-harming behaviors.
Withdrawal and isolation: Some survivors may withdraw from social interactions and relationships to avoid potential triggers for their anger.
Substance abuse: Some survivors may turn to alcohol or drugs to numb their feelings or cope with their anger.
Choice B rationale:
Sleeping 12 hours or more each day can be a symptom of PTSD, but it is not a specific indicator of anger. It can also be a sign of depression, anxiety, or hypersomnia, a sleep disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness.
Choice C rationale:
PTSD can sometimes lead to an increased sense of detachment from others, rather than attachment. Survivors may feel emotionally numb, have difficulty trusting others, or withdraw from relationships.
Choice D rationale:
While some survivors of sexual assault may feel a need to talk about the event, it is not a universal symptom of PTSD. Some survivors may avoid talking about the event altogether due to the distress it causes.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
This statement is accusatory and blaming, rather than promoting understanding and problem-solving. It focuses on the negative behavior of the sibling and seeks external validation for the speaker's feelings, rather than attempting to address the underlying issue directly with the sibling.
It uses "should" language, which can come across as judgmental and critical, potentially escalating conflict.
It does not express the speaker's own feelings or needs, making it difficult for the other person to understand and respond effectively.
Choice B rationale:
While this statement demonstrates a willingness to take responsibility for actions, it does not directly address the communication between the family members. It focuses on redirecting the father's anger rather than exploring the underlying reasons for the conflict.
It could be interpreted as silencing the children's voices and potentially reinforcing a hierarchical dynamic within the family, where one parent holds authority over the others.
Choice C rationale:
This statement is manipulative and threatening, using a fear of exposure to control the other person's behavior. It undermines trust and safety within the family, making it difficult to have open and honest communication.
It does not address the core issue at hand and instead escalates conflict by using a "tit-for-tat" approach.
Choice D rationale:
This statement effectively demonstrates several key principles of effective communication: It expresses curiosity and a genuine desire to understand the other person's perspective.
It avoids accusations or assumptions, instead inviting open dialogue.
It focuses on specific behaviors and events ("each time you go to the mall") rather than making sweeping generalizations about the person's character.
It uses "I" language to express the speaker's own feelings and concerns, inviting empathy and understanding.
It creates an opportunity for the other person to share their perspective and work towards a resolution together.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Protecting the client from injury is the highest priority nursing action in this scenario. Here's a detailed rationale explaining the importance of this action:
1. Imminent Risk of Harm:
Acute anxiety can significantly impair judgment and impulse control, escalating the risk of self-harm or harm to others. It's crucial to prevent any actions that could result in physical injury, even if unintended.
2. Physiological Manifestations:
Anxiety can trigger physiological responses that heighten the potential for harm, such as: Increased heart rate and blood pressure
Hyperventilation Diaphoresis
Agitation and restlessness Dissociation
These physiological changes can contribute to accidents, falls, or other injuries.
3. Impaired Decision-Making:
Acute anxiety often clouds rational thinking and decision-making abilities.
Individuals may engage in behaviors they wouldn't consider in a calmer state, such as running away, lashing out, or attempting self-harm.
The nurse's role is to safeguard the client from potential consequences of these impulsive actions.
4. Establishing Safety as a Foundation for Care:
Ensuring physical safety creates a necessary foundation for subsequent interventions.
Once safety is established, the nurse can proceed with assessing coping skills, identifying anxiety triggers, and implementing therapeutic strategies.
5. Protecting Others:
In rare cases, acute anxiety can manifest in aggression towards others.
The nurse must protect not only the client but also other individuals who may be at risk.
6. Ethical and Legal Obligations:
Nurses have a professional duty to protect clients from harm, upholding ethical principles and legal standards of care.
7. Preventing Trauma:
Physical injuries sustained during a crisis can exacerbate anxiety and complicate recovery. Proactive safety measures aim to prevent further trauma and promote healing.
I'll provide detailed rationales for the other choices in separate messages to ensure clarity and comprehensiveness.
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