A nurse is manning a phone line for trauma and crisis support.
A client on the phone inquires, “Could you explain how trauma-related disorders develop?” Which response should the nurse provide?
Experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event can lead to the development of a trauma-related disorder.
Developing a trauma-related disorder is a result of genetics - people are born that way.
Developing a trauma-related disorder is due to a chemical imbalance in the brain.
Developing a traumatic disorder requires an experience of physical harm.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event can indeed lead to the development of a trauma- related disorder. When a person’s natural coping mechanisms are overwhelmed by what they’re experiencing — physically, mentally, or both — their body does what it can to protect them. This includes short-term effects like emotional numbing or keeping them in a state of alertness. However, sometimes the effects of trauma linger, persisting throughout life, causing anxiety, trouble sleeping, and intrusive thoughts that can interfere with daily activities.
Choice B rationale
While genetics can play a role in the development of trauma-related disorders, it is not the sole cause. Trauma-related disorders typically develop after exposure to a traumatic or stressful event.
Choice C rationale
A chemical imbalance in the brain can be a result of trauma, but it is not the cause of trauma- related disorders. These disorders typically develop after exposure to a traumatic or stressful event.
Choice D rationale
Physical harm can indeed be traumatic and lead to the development of trauma-related disorders, but it is not a requirement. Trauma can also result from psychological, emotional, or environmental stressors.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Secondary trauma, also known as vicarious trauma or compassion fatigue, is a type of trauma that can occur in individuals who help or want to help others (like healthcare workers) experiencing a traumatic event. This can include feelings of fear, hopelessness, and difficulties in functioning, similar to those experienced by the person who underwent the actual trauma.
Choice B rationale
Acute trauma is typically associated with a single, severe traumatic event, not the ongoing stress of working in a high-stress environment like a Covid-19 unit.
Choice C rationale
Complex trauma refers to a type of trauma that occurs repeatedly and cumulatively, usually over a period of time and within specific relationships and contexts. It is not typically used to describe the experiences of healthcare workers in a pandemic.
Choice D rationale
Chronic trauma refers to the experience of multiple traumatic events. It is often used to describe situations such as ongoing child abuse, domestic violence, or war. It is not the most accurate term to describe the experiences of healthcare workers in a pandemic.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
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.
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