NRSG 3200 Unit 5 PTSD
Trauma - Answer An extremely distressing experience that causes severe emotional
shock and may have long-lasting psychological effects
Stress - Answer A complex experience felt internally that makes a person feel a loss or
threat of loss—bodily or mental tension.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) - Answer A syndrome of symptoms that
develops following a psychologically distressing event that is outside the range of usual
human experience. The individual is unable to put the experience out of their mind and
has nightmares, flashbacks, and panic attacks
Characteristic Symptoms of PTSD - Answer DURATION MUST BE >1 MONTH
Re-experiencing the event (memories, nightmares, flashbacks)
Psychological distress
High level of anxiety or arousal
General numbing of responses
Avoidance of stimuli associated with the trauma
Intrusive recollections or nightmares
Inability to remember certain aspects
Negative alterations in mood
Diminished interest in everyday activities
Detachment from others
Depression
Painful guilt
What influences the development of PTSD - Answer Severity and duration of the
stressor
Extent of anticipatory preparation for the event
Exposure to death
Numbers affected by life threat
Amount of control over reoccurrence
Location where trauma was experienced
Effectiveness of coping resources
Presence of pre-existing psychopathology
Behavioral tendencies
Availability of social supports
Cohesiveness of family and friends
Attitude of society regarding the experience
Nursing Interventions for PTSD - Answer Use a non-threatening, matter of fact, friendly
approach.
Respect patients wishes regarding interaction with individuals of the opposite sex (rape
or abuse cases).
Be consistent; keep all promises; convey acceptance, spend time with patient.
Develop trust: stay with the patient during flashbacks and nightmares. Offer
reassurances of safety and support.
Trauma - Answer An extremely distressing experience that causes severe emotional
shock and may have long-lasting psychological effects
Stress - Answer A complex experience felt internally that makes a person feel a loss or
threat of loss—bodily or mental tension.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) - Answer A syndrome of symptoms that
develops following a psychologically distressing event that is outside the range of usual
human experience. The individual is unable to put the experience out of their mind and
has nightmares, flashbacks, and panic attacks
Characteristic Symptoms of PTSD - Answer DURATION MUST BE >1 MONTH
Re-experiencing the event (memories, nightmares, flashbacks)
Psychological distress
High level of anxiety or arousal
General numbing of responses
Avoidance of stimuli associated with the trauma
Intrusive recollections or nightmares
Inability to remember certain aspects
Negative alterations in mood
Diminished interest in everyday activities
Detachment from others
Depression
Painful guilt
What influences the development of PTSD - Answer Severity and duration of the
stressor
Extent of anticipatory preparation for the event
Exposure to death
Numbers affected by life threat
Amount of control over reoccurrence
Location where trauma was experienced
Effectiveness of coping resources
Presence of pre-existing psychopathology
Behavioral tendencies
Availability of social supports
Cohesiveness of family and friends
Attitude of society regarding the experience
Nursing Interventions for PTSD - Answer Use a non-threatening, matter of fact, friendly
approach.
Respect patients wishes regarding interaction with individuals of the opposite sex (rape
or abuse cases).
Be consistent; keep all promises; convey acceptance, spend time with patient.
Develop trust: stay with the patient during flashbacks and nightmares. Offer
reassurances of safety and support.
