Asked by Mckensi Bradley on Apr 28, 2024
Verified
Two weeks ago, a soldier returned to the United States from active duty in a combat zone. The soldier was diagnosed with PTSD. Which comment by the soldier requires the nurse's immediate attention?
A) "It's good to be home. I missed my home, family, and friends."
B) "I saw my best friend get killed by a roadside bomb. I don't understand why it wasn't me."
C) "Sometimes I think I hear bombs exploding, but it's just the noise of traffic in my hometown."
D) "I want to continue my education, but I'm not sure how I will fit in with other college students."
PTSD
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, a mental health condition triggered by witnessing or experiencing a terrifying event, resulting in lasting anxiety and trauma-related symptoms.
Roadside Bomb
An explosive device placed or buried on the side of a road, intended to detonate as a target passes by, often used in guerrilla warfare and terrorist attacks.
- Discern and adequately respond to critical mental health situations, such as symptoms of acute distress or likelihood of self-destructive behavior.
Verified Answer
ZK
Zybrea KnightMay 03, 2024
Final Answer :
B
Explanation :
The correct response indicates the soldier is thinking about death and feeling survivor's guilt. These emotions may accompany suicidal ideation, which warrants the nurse's follow-up assessment. Suicide is a high risk among military personnel diagnosed with PTSD. One distracter indicates flashbacks, common with persons with PTSD, but not solely indicative that further problems exist. The other distracters are normal emotions associated with returning home and change.
Learning Objectives
- Discern and adequately respond to critical mental health situations, such as symptoms of acute distress or likelihood of self-destructive behavior.