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

Insisting on having their own way when playing with friends is a common behavior among children and is not necessarily related to a traumatic experience. It could be a sign of a strong personality or a phase of development where the child is learning about power and control.
Choice B rationale
Crying because they are the smallest child in their class is more likely related to self-esteem or body image issues. This behavior is not typically associated with experiencing a traumatic event like a house fire.
Choice C rationale
Being rude to siblings when things do not go their way is a common behavior among children and is not necessarily indicative of a traumatic experience. It could be a sign of frustration or difficulty managing emotions.
Choice D rationale
Making small fires in the backyard could be a sign that the child is trying to make sense of or reenact the traumatic experience of their house being destroyed by a wildfire. This behavior is a cause for concern and should be addressed with professional help.

Choice A rationale
Agoraphobia is characterized by a fear of being in situations where escape might be difficult or embarrassing, or help might not be available in the event of panic symptoms. This does not align with the child’s symptoms of not being able to speak in class or other social situations.
Choice B rationale
Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by excessive, uncontrollable worry about a variety of topics and is not specific to social situations. The child’s symptoms are more specific to social situations, which does not align with generalized anxiety disorder.

Choice C rationale
Selective mutism is an anxiety disorder characterized by a consistent failure to speak in specific social situations in which there is an expectation for speaking, despite speaking in other situations. This aligns with the child’s symptoms of not being able to speak during class and other social situations.
Choice D rationale
Separation anxiety disorder is characterized by excessive fear or anxiety about separation from those to whom the individual is attached. The child’s symptoms do not indicate a fear of separation, but rather a fear of speaking in social situations.