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.
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
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale: This is a closed-ended question focused on comprehension, not emotional insight. It assesses understanding of treatment steps but does not invite exploration of feelings or emotional context.
Choice B rationale: This question targets informational needs and resource access. While supportive, it does not prompt the client to reflect on or express emotional states or internal experiences.
Choice C rationale: Asking about coping skills gathers behavioral data. It may indirectly touch on emotional regulation but does not directly invite clarification or expression of current feelings.
Choice D rationale: This is a reflection statement that mirrors the client’s emotional experience. It encourages the client to explore and clarify their feelings about support and success, aligning with therapeutic communication principles.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
The cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical circuit (CSTC) of the brain is associated with feelings of fear. Anxiety disorders are characterized by an overactivation of this circuit, leading to excessive fear responses14.
Choice B rationale
The amygdala-centered (ACC) circuit of the brain is not typically associated with feelings of apprehension. The ACC is more commonly associated with processing emotions and fear learning14.
Choice C rationale
The cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical circuit (CSTC) of the brain is not specifically associated with phobias. While this circuit plays a role in fear responses, it is not specific to phobic responses14.
Choice D rationale
The amygdala-centered (ACC) circuit of the brain is associated with feelings of panic. However, it is not the only brain circuit involved in anxiety. Other circuits, including the CSTC, also play important roles14.
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