Trauma and Stress Related Disorders

Question 1

A patient is exposed to a traumatic event that causes anxiety and detachment for three weeks. What disorder did they exhibit?

Answer 1

Acute stress disorder (ASD)

Question 2

What differentiates adjustment disorder from PTSD and ASD?

Answer 2

The severity of the stressor and effects.

Question 3

Which of the following disorders is characterized by thoughts like “you aren’t real” or “you’re in a dream”
Dissociative amnesia
Depersonalization/derealization disorder
Dissociative fugue
Dissociative identity disorder

Answer 3

Depersonalization/derealization disorder

Question 4

What are examples of traumatic events that would precipitate the onset of ASD, PTSD or adjustment disorder

Answer 4

MVA, sexual assault, terrorism, or natural disasters

Question 5

Who is vulnerable to experiencing secondary trauma?

Answer 5

Healthcare workers, family or friends of victim

Question 6

An individual with PTSD has intrusive thoughts that make them feel like the event is relived, what are they experiencing?

Answer 6

Flashbacks

Question 7

What behavior would you expect from an individual struggling with ASD or PTSD?

Answer 7

Aggression, hypervigilance, irritability, inability to focus, SI

Question 8

A patient name Alice Walker comes into the clinic for a follow-up appointment following the loss of her father. She displays a change in posture, diction, and appearance - wearing dark, baggy clothing as opposed to sundresses. She begins to talk and she introduces herself as Maggie, what disorder is suspected.

Answer 8

Dissociative identity disorder

Question 9

This is used to care for patient’s who have trauma and stress-related disorders in order to avoid further distress.

Answer 9

Trauma-informed care

Question 10

Prazosin is often used as a trauma disorder medication, what is the therapeutic effect?

Answer 10

Decreases hypervigilance and insomnia

Question 11

What would you as the nurse want to include in education for a patient with dissociative or trauma related disorders?

Answer 11

Utilize relaxation techniques, avoid caffeine and alcohol, perform grounding techniques, encourage journaling, monitor for causes and manifestations

Question 12

When will medications be prescribed for adjustment and dissociative disorders?

Answer 12

When accompanied by anxiety or depression

Question 13

What is the name of the beta-blocker used in trauma and stress related disorders?

Answer 13

Propranolol

Question 14

What is the first-line medication class used in trauma and stress related disorders?

Answer 14

SSRIs

Question 15

What assessment tool is used in screening for both dissociative disorders and ASD, PTSD, and adjustment disorder?

Answer 15

MSE

Question 16

What are the two major risk factors for dissociative disorders to manifest?

Answer 16

Traumatic life event and childhood abuse or trauma

Question 17

What occupations have a high incidence of PTSD?

Answer 17

Military and first responders

Question 18

A patient experienced an MVA on Highway 95 when driving to work. They state that they now take an alternate route to work so they don’t have to be reminded of the accident. What is this patient exhibiting?

Answer 18

Avoidance of places that remind them of the event.