A nurse is caring for a patient with post-traumatic stress disorder who is considering prolonged exposure therapy.
The patient asks, “How does this therapy work?” Which of the following responses accurately describes this type of therapy?

Choice A rationale
Maintaining an upright posture during a client interview is generally seen as a sign of attentiveness and professionalism. It shows that the nurse is focused on the conversation and respects the client’s concerns.
Choice B rationale
Sitting at a slight angle across from the clients is a part of active listening and is considered a positive nonverbal communication technique. It allows the nurse to maintain eye contact and observe the client’s nonverbal cues.

Choice C rationale
Maintaining eye contact throughout the interview is a positive nonverbal communication technique that shows the nurse is paying attention and is interested in what the client is saying. However, it’s important to note that in some cultures, direct eye contact may be considered disrespectful or intrusive.
Choice D rationale
Leaning away from the client throughout the interview can be perceived as a sign of disinterest or discomfort. It may give the impression that the nurse is not engaged in the conversation or is maintaining a distance from the client. This can hinder the development of a therapeutic nurse-client relationship.

Choice A rationale
Chronic trauma refers to repeated exposure to traumatic events over a long period. Abuse and neglect since early childhood, as in the case of the adolescent in the question, is a clear example of chronic trauma.
Choice B rationale
Vicarious trauma occurs when an individual becomes traumatized not by directly experiencing a traumatic event, but by exposure to graphic or traumatic material as part of their work. This is not the case for the adolescent in the question.
Choice C rationale
Acute trauma results from a single, unexpected, and stressful event. This does not apply to the adolescent in the question, who has been subjected to abuse and neglect since early childhood.
Choice D rationale

Historical trauma refers to the cumulative emotional and psychological wounding of an individual or generation caused by a traumatic experience or event. This does not apply to the adolescent in the question.