A nurse is educating a client about the pharmacological treatments for PTSD. Which of the following medications is an atypical antipsychotic commonly used in the management of PTSD?

Choice A rationale:

Assessing the client's physical health is a priority because physical health issues can significantly impact the overall well-being of an individual with PTSD. Trauma and chronic stress can lead to physical health problems, including sleep disturbances, cardiovascular issues, and gastrointestinal problems. Addressing these physical concerns is essential for a holistic approach to care.

Choice B rationale:

Assessing the client's coping skills is important, but it may not be the top priority. Coping skills assessment is essential for treatment planning, but addressing immediate physical health needs and safety concerns takes precedence, especially if the client is experiencing acute distress.

Choice C rationale:

Assessing the client's social support is important for long-term recovery, but it may not be the primary assessment in the initial stages of care. Social support can contribute to resilience, but addressing physical health and acute distress is more critical initially.

Choice D rationale:

Assessing the client's past trauma history is relevant for understanding the context of the disorder, but it might not be the priority in the moment. Trauma history can be explored in therapy sessions, but addressing immediate physical and emotional needs comes first.

Choice A rationale:

Avoiding thoughts, feelings, people, places, or activities associated with the trauma is a symptom of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but it is not a re-experiencing symptom. This behavior is part of the avoidance and numbing cluster of symptoms in PTSD.

Choice B rationale:

Having persistent negative beliefs and emotions is another symptom of PTSD, but it is not a re-experiencing symptom. This is related to the negative alterations in cognitions and mood that individuals with PTSD may experience.

Choice C rationale:

Experiencing intrusive and distressing memories of the trauma is a re-experiencing symptom of PTSD. Individuals with PTSD may have flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive thoughts about the traumatic event, causing distress and emotional turmoil.

Choice D rationale:

Feeling detached or estranged from others is a symptom of PTSD but is not considered a re-experiencing symptom. It falls under the category of alterations in arousal and reactivity, affecting the individual's ability to connect with others emotionally.