A nurse is caring for a client who has been diagnosed with acute stress disorder. Which of the following client statements aligns with this diagnosis?

“I was in a car crash two weeks ago and I have nightmares when I sleep.”.

“I was physically abused as a child and have frequent flashbacks since then.”.

“I was in a terrible car crash two years ago and I have been unable to drive since then.”.

“My parents fought a lot when I was a child.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A rationale
Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) is a mental health condition that can occur in the immediate aftermath of a traumatic event, with symptoms starting within four weeks of the event and lasting for a minimum of three days and up to one month. This client’s statement about experiencing nightmares following a car crash two weeks ago aligns with the diagnosis of ASD.

Nightmares are a common symptom of ASD, often replaying the traumatic event, leading to disrupted sleep and increased distress.
Choice B rationale
This statement is more indicative of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a related but distinct condition from ASD. PTSD is characterized by persistent and intrusive memories of the traumatic event, which can include flashbacks, and symptoms must last for more than a month and cause significant distress or functional impairment. The chronic nature of the symptoms described by the client, including frequent flashbacks since childhood, is more consistent with PTSD than ASD.
Choice C rationale
This statement could suggest a condition known as Specific Phobia, Situational Type. This is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by an intense, persistent fear of certain situations. The individual will avoid the situation or endure it with intense fear or anxiety. In this case, the client’s inability to drive following a car crash two years ago could indicate a specific phobia related to driving.
Choice D rationale
The experience described by the client in this statement is indicative of a dissociative symptom, which can be a feature of several different mental health disorders, including but not limited to Dissociative Disorders and PTSD1. The feeling of leaving one’s body is referred to as depersonalization, a type of dissociation that can occur as a response to trauma. However, without more information, it is difficult to align this statement with a specific diag

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale
A vulnerability gene is a gene variant that increases the risk for development of a specific mental illness. It does not guarantee that an individual will develop the illness, but it does increase their susceptibility.
Choice B rationale
A gene variant that is responsible for an individual’s resilience to stress is not typically referred to as a vulnerability gene. Resilience genes are thought to provide some protection against the development of mental illnesses.
Choice C rationale
A gene variant that is responsible for the development of a specific mental illness is not typically referred to as a vulnerability gene. While certain gene variants can increase the risk of developing a mental illness, they are usually not the sole cause. Mental illnesses are typically the result of a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors.
Choice D rationale

A gene variant that determines an individual’s likelihood of recovering from mental illness is not typically referred to as a vulnerability gene. Recovery from mental illness is influenced by a variety of factors, including the individual’s access to effective treatment, their level of social support, and their personal resilience.

A. Paroxetine B. Semaglutide C. Tramadol D. Zaleplon

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Paroxetine is a type of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that is commonly prescribed for the treatment of PTSD6. It works by increasing the levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood, in the brain.
Choice B rationale
Semaglutide is a medication used to control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It is not typically used in the treatment of PTSD.
Choice C rationale
Tramadol is a prescription pain medication used to treat moderate to severe pain. While it can help manage physical symptoms that may accompany PTSD, it is not typically used as a primary treatment for the disorder.
Choice D rationale
Zaleplon is a medication used to treat insomnia. While it can help manage sleep disturbances that may accompany PTSD, it is not typically used as a primary treatment for the disorder.

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A nurse is caring for a client who has been diagnosed with acute stress disorder. Which of the following client statements aligns with this diagnosis?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse in an outpatient facility is teaching a client about the development of mental illness. Which of the following statements by the nurse describes the role of a vulnerability gene?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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