Wk. 10 - PTSD Practice Questions

A nurse is assessing a patient who survived a serious car accident six months ago. The patient reports having frequent nightmares, avoiding driving, and experiencing panic attacks when hearing sirens. These symptoms are characteristic of which PTSD symptom category? A) Avoidance B) Intrusive symptoms C) Negative mood and cognitions D) Alterations in arousal and reactivity

B

Which of the following medications is commonly prescribed as a first-line treatment for PTSD? A) Benzodiazepines B) Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) C) Beta-blockers D) Typical antipsychotics

B

A veteran reports feeling disconnected from reality and describes out-of-body experiences when recalling traumatic events. This is most characteristic of which PTSD feature? A) Hyperarousal B) Dissociative symptoms C) Avoidance behavior D) Emotional numbing

B

What is the primary goal of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in the treatment of PTSD? A) Suppressing memories of the trauma B) Encouraging avoidance of trauma reminders C) Helping patients process and reframe traumatic memories D) Promoting medication adherence

C

A nurse is educating a patient about PTSD triggers. Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching? A) “Loud noises can trigger my symptoms.” B) “Avoiding all reminders of my trauma will help me heal faster.” C) “Support groups can help me feel less isolated.” D) “Practicing relaxation techniques can help reduce my anxiety.”

B

A patient with PTSD may experience which of the following symptoms? (Select all that apply.) A) Flashbacks B) Increased sociability C) Hypervigilance D) Emotional numbing E) Decreased startle response

A,C,D

Which of the following are core principles of Trauma-Informed Care? (Select all that apply.) A) Safety B) Trustworthiness and transparency C) Peer support D) Punitive discipline E) Collaboration and mutuality

A,B,C,E

A nurse is planning care for a patient with PTSD. Which interventions align with Trauma-Informed Care? (Select all that apply.) A) Establishing trust through open communication B) Encouraging the patient to share details of their trauma immediately C) Allowing the patient to have control over their treatment decisions D) Providing a safe and calm environment E) Using therapeutic touch without asking permission

A,C,D

A nurse is providing education about PTSD risk factors. Which individuals are at increased risk for developing PTSD? (Select all that apply.) A) A person who survived a natural disaster B) A veteran who has been in combat C) A child who witnessed domestic violence D) A teenager who failed a math exam E) A person with a history of childhood abuse

A,B,C,E

When using a Trauma-Informed Care approach, which of the following nursing actions are appropriate? (Select all that apply.) A) Validating the patient’s feelings B) Providing predictable routines C) Avoiding discussing the patient’s triggers D) Offering choices to the patient to increase their sense of control E) Ignoring expressions of distress to encourage resilience

A,B,D

True or False: PTSD symptoms always develop immediately after a traumatic event.

False

True or False: Individuals with PTSD often experience avoidance behaviors as a way to manage their distress.

True

True or False: Trauma-Informed Care prioritizes patient empowerment and shared decision-making.

True

True or False: Hyperarousal symptoms in PTSD may include irritability, difficulty sleeping, and exaggerated startle responses.

True

True or False: Trauma-Informed Care should only be used in psychiatric settings.

False

A 35-year-old woman who survived a home invasion reports experiencing flashbacks, difficulty sleeping, and severe anxiety when she hears noises at night. She avoids going out after dark and refuses to discuss the incident. Based on these symptoms, which PTSD symptom clusters apply to this patient? A) Intrusive symptoms and negative mood B) Avoidance and alterations in arousal and reactivity C) Dissociative symptoms and intrusive symptoms D) Emotional numbing and hyperarousal

B

A patient with PTSD reports having nightmares and intrusive thoughts but refuses to attend therapy because discussing the trauma is too distressing. What is the best response by the nurse? A) “It’s important to talk about your trauma in detail to heal.” B) “You should consider exposure therapy right away.” C) “I understand that discussing your trauma is difficult. Let’s find coping strategies that feel comfortable for you.” D) “If you don’t talk about it, your PTSD will never improve.”

C

A nurse is caring for a homeless veteran who exhibits symptoms of PTSD. Which action best aligns with a Trauma-Informed Care approach? A) Encouraging the patient to discuss combat experiences immediately B) Offering the patient choices in their care plan to promote a sense of control C) Using a firm tone to ensure compliance with treatment D) Avoiding any discussion of past trauma

B

A patient who survived a severe motor vehicle accident experiences intense fear and physical agitation when hearing screeching tires. What is the most appropriate nursing intervention? A) Encourage the patient to ignore their response to triggers B) Suggest gradual exposure therapy and relaxation techniques C) Remind the patient that their reaction is irrational D) Advise the patient to avoid all situations that may trigger memories

B

A trauma survivor reports feeling disconnected from their surroundings and states, “It feels like I’m watching my life from the outside.” What is the best description of this symptom? A) Hyperarousal B) Emotional numbing C) Dissociation D) Avoidance

C