A nurse is caring for a client who has major depressive disorder and states that he has given away his personal belongings. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

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. Suppression:
Suppression is a psychological defense mechanism where an individual consciously avoids thinking about certain thoughts, emotions, or impulses. It involves intentionally putting aside disturbing or anxiety-inducing thoughts temporarily. People use suppression as a way to cope with overwhelming emotions or stressful situations by delaying dealing with them until they feel more prepared.

B. Regression:
Regression is a defense mechanism where an individual reverts to a previous stage of development in the face of stressful situations. For example, an adult may exhibit childlike behaviors or emotions during times of high stress. This regression is an unconscious way of seeking comfort and security from an earlier, less stressful time in life.

C. Compensation:
Compensation is a defense mechanism in which an individual tries to make up for a perceived deficiency in one area by excelling in another. For instance, someone who feels unattractive might compensate by becoming exceptionally skilled in a particular talent. Compensation involves overachieving in one area to cover up feelings of inadequacy in another.

D. Sublimation:
Sublimation is a defense mechanism where socially unacceptable impulses or urges are channeled into socially acceptable and productive activities. For example, someone with aggressive tendencies might channel their aggression into sports or artistic pursuits. Sublimation involves transforming negative emotions or desires into positive, socially acceptable behaviors.