A nurse is planning care for a client with PTSD. Which intervention is appropriate for addressing avoidance symptoms?
Encouraging the client to engage in relaxation techniques.
Providing the client with information about local support groups.
Teaching the client cognitive-behavioral techniques.
Administering prescribed medications to manage anxiety.
The Correct Answer is B
Providing the client with information about local support groups.
Choice A rationale:
Encouraging relaxation techniques targets symptom management but doesn't directly address avoidance symptoms.
Choice C rationale:
Cognitive-behavioral techniques are helpful for various PTSD symptoms, but they primarily focus on modifying thought patterns and behaviors.
Choice D rationale:
Medications can alleviate symptoms like anxiety but don't specifically tackle avoidance symptoms. In contrast, Choice B is the most suitable intervention for addressing avoidance symptoms. Individuals with PTSD often avoid situations, places, or people that trigger memories of the trauma. Connecting them with local support groups can provide a safe environment to discuss their experiences, gradually reducing avoidance behavior. Peer support can offer validation, normalization, and sharing of coping strategies, which can ultimately aid in diminishing avoidance symptoms.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Physical signs.
Choice A rationale:
Psychological signs involve cognitive and mental aspects of PTSD, such as flashbacks and intrusive thoughts.
Choice B rationale:
Emotional signs encompass mood-related manifestations like fear, anger, and guilt.
Choice D rationale:
Social signs refer to difficulties in interpersonal relationships and isolation. In contrast, Choice C, physical signs, include symptoms like headaches and chronic pain which are commonly associated with PTSD due to the physiological stress response triggered by the traumatic event. This response can lead to increased muscle tension and altered pain perception, resulting in these physical symptoms. Such somatic complaints are integral to the diagnosis of PTSD, and they often coexist with other psychological and emotional symptoms.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Intrusion symptoms. This choice is accurate because the client's statement about recurring nightmares and intrusive thoughts related to the accident aligns with the intrusion symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Intrusion symptoms involve distressing memories, nightmares, and flashbacks that "intrude" into the person's consciousness. Now, let's address the other choices:
Choice B rationale:
Avoidance symptoms. This choice is incorrect for this scenario. Avoidance symptoms in PTSD involve efforts to avoid reminders, thoughts, or situations associated with the traumatic event. The client's statement does not specifically reflect avoidance behaviors.
Choice C rationale:
Negative alterations in cognition and mood. This choice is also incorrect in this context. Negative alterations in cognition and mood include feelings of detachment, negative beliefs, and distorted emotions. The client's statement does not directly relate to these alterations.
Choice D rationale:
Alterations in arousal and reactivity. This choice is incorrect for the given statement. Alterations in arousal and reactivity involve symptoms like irritability, hypervigilance, and exaggerated startle response. The client's description of recurring nightmares and intrusive thoughts does not align with this symptom cluster.
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