PTSD | SITUATIONAL EXAMPLES Flashcards
A soldier who returned home six months ago from deployment reports frequent nightmares, flashbacks, and feeling on edge. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A) Acute Stress Disorder (ASD)
B) Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
C) Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
D) Panic Disorder
B. PTSD occurs when symptoms appear after 1 month following a traumatic event, whereas ASD occurs within the first month and resolves without treatment.
A patient who survived a car accident a week ago is experiencing intense distress, intrusive memories, and avoids talking about the event. What is the best initial approach by the nurse?
A) Encourage the patient to confront their fears immediately
B) Provide a quiet environment and allow verbalization of feelings
C) Prescribe an SSRI immediately
D) Ignore the symptoms and assume they will resolve on their own
B. Allowing the patient to verbalize their feelings helps them process the trauma. Since the symptoms are within one month, it is likely Acute Stress Disorder (ASD).
A nurse is caring for a PTSD patient who experiences hypervigilance and is easily startled. What should the nurse prioritize?
A) Encourage the patient to re-experience the trauma
B) Minimize environmental stimuli and ensure safety
C) Ask the patient to focus on positive thoughts only
D) Restrict the patient’s social interactions
B. PTSD patients with hypervigilance are easily startled, so minimizing environmental stimuli (e.g., keeping a quiet and calm environment) is essential.
A patient with PTSD avoids driving because it reminds them of a traumatic car accident. What is this behavior called?
A) Re-experiencing
B) Avoidance
C) Hypervigilance
D) Numbing
B. Avoidance is a hallmark symptom of PTSD, where patients avoid anything associated with the trauma.
A nurse is implementing relaxation techniques for a patient with PTSD. Which of the following is an example of progressive muscle relaxation?
A) The patient takes a rapid, shallow breath and exhales quickly
B) The patient imagines a peaceful scenario while listening to soft music
C) The patient tenses and then relaxes different muscle groups slowly
D) The patient avoids thinking about their traumatic experience
C. Progressive muscle relaxation involves tensing and relaxing different muscle groups to reduce anxiety and improve focus.
A patient with PTSD is prescribed fluoxetine (Prozac). What is the primary reason for this medication?
A) To reduce hypervigilance
B) To help with sleep disturbances
C) To alleviate depressive symptoms and intrusive thoughts
D) To prevent panic attacks
C. SSRIs (e.g., Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil) are used to treat depressive symptoms and intrusive thoughts associated with PTSD.
A PTSD patient frequently experiences flashbacks, believing they are reliving the traumatic event. What is the most appropriate nursing intervention?
A) Use grounding techniques to help the patient recognize the present moment
B) Encourage the patient to ignore the experience
C) Restrict the patient’s mobility to prevent injury
D) Allow the patient to continue experiencing the flashback without intervention
A. Grounding techniques (e.g., deep breathing, touching nearby objects, guided imagery) help bring the patient back to reality during flashbacks.
Which statement made by a patient indicates a need for further teaching about PTSD treatment?
A) “Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can help me change negative thoughts.”
B) “I should practice relaxation techniques to manage my symptoms.”
C) “Medications like propranolol will cure my PTSD completely.”
D) “Guided imagery may help reduce my anxiety.”
C. PTSD cannot be cured completely with medications alone. Medications help manage symptoms, but therapy is also essential.
