The nurse who is assessing a client with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) would expect the client to report which data? Select all that apply.
Suspicion of strangers.
Talking about problems to friends.
Inability to relax.
Increased alcohol consumption.
Wanting to sleep all the time.
Insomnia even when fatigued.
Correct Answer : A,C,D,F
Choice A reason: Suspicion of strangers is common due to hypervigilance and mistrust, which are hallmark symptoms of PTSD.
Choice B reason: Talking about problems to friends is adaptive and not typically reported by clients with PTSD, who often avoid discussing trauma.
Choice C reason: Inability to relax reflects persistent hyperarousal, a core symptom of PTSD. Clients remain tense and on guard.
Choice D reason: Increased alcohol consumption is a maladaptive coping mechanism often used to numb distressing symptoms.
Choice E reason: Wanting to sleep all the time is more consistent with depression, not PTSD. PTSD is associated with hyperarousal and difficulty sleeping.
Choice F reason: Insomnia even when fatigued is a classic symptom of PTSD. Clients struggle to sleep due to nightmares, hypervigilance, and intrusive thoughts.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: While stress can influence symptom severity, somatic symptom illness is not simply intermittent control. This explanation is incomplete and misleading.
Choice B reason: Stating there is a physical cause misinforms the family. Somatic symptom illness is psychological in origin, not undetected physical disease.
Choice C reason: Suggesting the client is fabricating symptoms is inaccurate and stigmatizing. The symptoms are real to the client, even if not physically caused.
Choice D reason: Mental distress manifests as physical symptoms in somatic symptom illness. The client is not consciously aware of the psychological origin, making this the most accurate and therapeutic explanation.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Saying symptoms are imaginary invalidates the client’s experience. Somatization involves real symptoms, though they are caused by psychological distress.
Choice B reason: Stress and emotions manifest physically in somatization. This explanation is accurate, therapeutic, and validates the client’s experience.
Choice C reason: While somatization is not due to physical illness, telling the client they are “not sick” dismisses their suffering.
Choice D reason: Suggesting wellness depends on “getting life in order” oversimplifies the condition and places blame on the client.
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