What is the major difference between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and acute stress disorder?
In PTSD, the recovery rate is 80% within three months.
The severity and duration of the trauma are the most important variables in acute stress disorder.
In acute stress disorder, the client is likely to develop exacerbation of symptoms.
In PTSD, the symptoms occur three months or more after the trauma.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: PTSD does not have a recovery rate of 80% within three months. This statement is inaccurate and misleading.
Choice B reason: Severity and duration of trauma influence both acute stress disorder and PTSD. This is not a distinguishing factor between the two conditions.
Choice C reason: Acute stress disorder does not necessarily lead to exacerbation of symptoms. Many clients recover without progression to PTSD. This statement is incorrect.
Choice D reason: PTSD is diagnosed when symptoms persist for more than one month and often continue for three months or longer after trauma. Acute stress disorder occurs within the first month post-trauma. This distinction makes D the correct answer.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Avoiding discussion invalidates the client’s experience and prevents therapeutic processing. Silence can reinforce shame and isolation.
Choice B reason: Medication may reduce anxiety symptoms but does not address the trauma or its psychological impact. It is not the primary intervention for abuse history.
Choice C reason: Suggesting the client has a role in perpetuating abuse is victim-blaming and unethical. Abuse is the responsibility of the perpetrator, not the victim.
Choice D reason: Encouraging the client to talk about feelings related to the abuse promotes healing, validates her experience, and helps integrate trauma into therapy. This is the therapeutic and ethical approach.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Assessing coping mechanisms is important but not the priority when initiating lorazepam. The immediate concern is safety related to drug interactions.
Choice B reason: Alcohol use must be assessed first because combining lorazepam with alcohol can cause severe respiratory depression, sedation, and increased risk of overdose. This is the most critical safety assessment.
Choice C reason: Motivation for treatment is relevant for long-term adherence but not the most urgent concern when starting benzodiazepines.
Choice D reason: Family and social support are important for overall treatment success but are secondary to immediate safety concerns regarding alcohol use.
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