A nurse is caring for a patient who was recently diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder due to intimate partner violence. Which intervention should the nurse prioritize?
Prescribe medication to manage anxiety symptoms
Encourage avoidance of all situations that remind them of the trauma
Develop a safety plan and provide information on support groups
Encourage the patient to talk about their experiences to everyone
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Prescribing medication isn’t a nursing role and requires assessment. PTSD from intimate partner violence involves amygdala-driven hyperarousal. Scientifically, premature medication risks inappropriate treatment, potentially disrupting neurotransmitter balance without addressing safety or psychological needs, delaying effective stabilization of trauma-related symptoms.
Choice B reason: Avoiding all trauma reminders is impractical and may reinforce fear. Scientifically, blanket avoidance heightens amygdala activity, perpetuating PTSD symptoms like hypervigilance. Structured trigger management is needed, as total avoidance delays trauma processing, risking chronic stress responses and hindering psychological recovery.
Choice C reason: A safety plan and support group information ensure protection and emotional support. Scientifically, safety reduces cortisol and amygdala hyperactivity, stabilizing PTSD symptoms. Support groups foster resilience, addressing trauma’s psychological impact, making this the priority to mitigate ongoing harm and promote recovery.
Choice D reason: Encouraging indiscriminate trauma discussion risks re-traumatization and breaches privacy. Scientifically, uncontrolled disclosure can heighten amygdala-driven stress responses, worsening PTSD. Structured therapy is needed to process trauma safely, as open sharing may exacerbate anxiety or shame, delaying psychological stabilization.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: One tablet (37.5 mg) underdoses the prescribed 75 mg. Venlafaxine, an SNRI, modulates serotonin and norepinephrine. Scientifically, insufficient dosing fails to stabilize neural activity, risking persistent depression or anxiety symptoms, as subtherapeutic levels don’t adequately enhance neurotransmitter function, compromising treatment efficacy.
Choice B reason: Three tablets (112.5 mg) exceed the prescribed dose, risking toxicity. Venlafaxine overdosing can cause serotonin syndrome or hypertension. Scientifically, excessive SNRI dosing disrupts neurotransmitter balance, leading to adverse effects like agitation or cardiovascular issues, while precise dosing ensures safe and effective mood stabilization.
Choice C reason: Four tablets (150 mg) significantly overdose the patient, increasing toxicity risks. Venlafaxine’s effects on serotonin and norepinephrine can cause severe side effects, like seizures, if overdosed. Scientifically, maintaining therapeutic levels prevents neurological and cardiovascular complications, ensuring safe treatment for depression or anxiety.
Choice D reason: Two tablets (75 mg) match the prescribed dose, ensuring therapeutic SNRI effects. Scientifically, accurate Venlafaxine dosing optimizes serotonin and norepinephrine modulation, stabilizing mood in depression or anxiety. This prevents symptom persistence or toxicity, supporting effective neural regulation and mental health recovery without adverse effects.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Five tablets (250 mg) exceed the prescribed 150 mg, risking Sertraline overdose. This SSRI increases serotonin, and excessive dosing may cause serotonin syndrome, with symptoms like agitation or seizures. Scientifically, precise dosing prevents adverse neurological effects, ensuring safe treatment for depression or anxiety.
Choice B reason: Four tablets (200 mg) overdose the patient, exceeding the 150 mg prescription. Sertraline’s serotonin-enhancing effects can lead to toxicity, causing symptoms like nausea or tremors. Scientifically, overdosing disrupts neurotransmitter balance, risking serious side effects, while correct dosing ensures effective mood stabilization without harm.
Choice C reason: Three tablets (150 mg) match the prescribed dose, ensuring therapeutic serotonin levels. Scientifically, accurate Sertraline dosing optimizes neurotransmitter balance, effectively treating depression or anxiety by enhancing serotonin activity in the prefrontal cortex and amygdala, reducing symptoms without risking toxicity or side effects.
Choice D reason: Two tablets (100 mg) underdose the patient, providing insufficient serotonin modulation. Scientifically, subtherapeutic Sertraline levels fail to address neural imbalances in depression or anxiety, risking persistent low mood or panic symptoms, as inadequate dosing doesn’t sufficiently enhance neurotransmitter activity for effective treatment.
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