Trauma
What is trauma-informed care?
A therapeutic nursing approach that recognizes the widespread impact of trauma and integrates knowledge into practice to promote safety, empowerment, and healing.
Define health-related stigma.
Negative labeling, judgment, or discrimination against individuals due to a condition such as mental illness, HIV, chronic pain, or substance use
What is the main goal of journaling for individuals with PTSD?
To process emotions, track triggers, and promote self-awareness in healing.
What is vicarious trauma?
Emotional strain and stress resulting from repeated exposure to others’ trauma.
Name two common symptoms of PTSD.
Hypervigilance, intrusive memories, flashbacks, avoidance, or emotional numbing.
According to Nyblade et al. (2019), what is one major effect of stigma in healthcare settings?
Patients may avoid seeking care or lose trust in health professionals.
What is the difference between yoga and Trauma-Sensitive Yoga?
TSY differs from regular yoga because it focuses on creating safety, choice, and body awareness rather than physical performance or perfection.
How can spending time in nature support nurse mental health?
It promotes emotional grounding, reduces anxiety, provides balance and purpose beyond work and restores cognitive focus.
What does the MSE (Mental Status Exam) help nurses assess in a trauma patient?
The patient’s current cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning to form a holistic understanding of their mental state.
What is self-stigma?
When individuals internalize negative stereotypes or judgments about their own condition.
How do support groups improve mental health for patients?
They reduce isolation, increase hope, and build coping skills through shared understanding.
Name one workplace resource available for nurses experiencing trauma or burnout.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or peer debriefing sessions.
What type of pain persists long after (6 months) an injury has healed and is often linked to emotional or psychological trauma.
Chronic pain
What is cultural stigma?
Shared negative belief within a cultural group that causes people to view certain conditions, like mental illness, as shameful or unacceptable.
List one local community resource in Chilliwack that supports trauma recovery.
Inner Vision Yoga or The Mindful Movement Studio, Online Support groups (e.g. Pain BC, Pathways, Psychology Today-connect both in person and online support groups)
How can nurses support each other on the floor to prevent burnout?
Task delegation, debriefing, educating each other, working collaboratively on pt care
What are some common side effects of opioids that nurses should assess for?
CNS depression (hypotension, bradycardia), Respiratory depression, confusion, sedation, constipation
What are ways that nurses can combat stigma?
Call out stigma when you see it, recognizing your own stigma and addressing it, attending education sessions surrounding stigma, and supporting others.
What is the main goal of using counterframing strategies in mental health promotion?
To challenge and replace negative stereotypes about mental illness with positive, accurate, and supportive messages while adhering to cultural values and beliefs
Why can journaling be a health promotion activity for both nurses and patients?
Promotes self reflection, identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts, promotes reframing thought patterns
Describe how nurses can apply trauma-informed care principles to reduce stigma and promote recovery for both patients and themselves.
By creating safe, non-judgmental environments; encouraging empowerment and self-care activities like yoga, journaling, and time in nature; practicing reflective awareness to reduce bias; and connecting both patients and nurses with supportive community or workplace resources.