A nurse is providing education to a client with acute stress disorder (ASD). The client states, "I can't experience happiness anymore." Which nursing response is appropriate?
"It's normal to feel that way after a traumatic event.”
"You'll get over this eventually; just give it time.”
"You should focus on avoiding situations that remind you of the trauma.”
"Try to forget about the event completely and move on.”
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
The nurse's response of acknowledging the client's emotions and normalizing their feelings validates their experience. It emphasizes that such emotional responses are common after traumatic events, helping to reduce the client's distress and potentially fostering a sense of connection.
Choice B rationale:
This response might invalidate the client's emotions and rush their healing process. Telling the client that they will "get over this eventually" oversimplifies their experience and may cause further frustration.
Choice C rationale:
Advising the client to solely focus on avoiding reminders of the trauma (situations that remind them of the event) could lead to avoidance behaviors and hinder their recovery. It's important to gradually address triggers rather than completely avoiding them.
Choice D rationale:
Encouraging the client to "forget about the event completely and move on" could be dismissive of their emotional struggle. Forgetting is not a realistic goal, and suppressing emotions can be harmful in the long run.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice C rationale:
The statement "I'm so relieved that my symptoms will go away within a few days" indicates a need for further education about acute stress disorder (ASD). ASD symptoms typically last for a minimum of 3 days and can persist for up to a month. This statement suggests a misunderstanding about the duration of symptoms and the potential need for appropriate interventions.
Choice A rationale:
The statement "I can't believe I'm feeling so detached from everything" (Choice A) is consistent with the emotional numbing and detachment often experienced by individuals with ASD, and it does not indicate a need for further education.
Choice B rationale:
The statement "I've been avoiding places that remind me of the trauma" (Choice B) is in line with the avoidance symptoms of ASD and does not necessarily indicate a need for further education.
Choice D rationale:
The statement "I've been having nightmares about the event" (Choice D) is indicative of the intrusive symptoms common in ASD and does not necessarily indicate a need for further education.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice B rationale:
Administering antianxiety medication as prescribed is the nurse's priority during the acute phase of acute stress disorder (ASD). This is because individuals with ASD often experience severe anxiety, panic attacks, and overwhelming distress. Antianxiety medications, such as benzodiazepines, can help manage the acute symptoms and provide relief from extreme anxiety.
Choice A rationale:
Encouraging the client to talk about the traumatic event (Choice A) might not be the priority during the acute phase. Revisiting the traumatic event prematurely could potentially retraumatize the client and exacerbate their symptoms.
Choice C rationale:
Assisting the client in identifying triggers for anxiety (Choice C) is an important intervention, but it may be more relevant during the later stages of treatment, when the client is more stabilized and ready to engage in cognitive-behavioral interventions.
Choice D rationale:
Providing education about relaxation techniques (Choice D) is valuable, but it might not be the top priority during the acute phase. The client's distress and anxiety levels are likely to be too high to effectively engage with relaxation techniques initially.
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