DEFINITIONS & RECOGNITION
Intrusive symptoms such as flashbacks and nightmares
Re-experiencing
Most serious long-term risk associated with PTSD
Suicide
First nursing action during a flashback
Stay with the patient and ensure safety
First-line medication class for PTSD
SSRIs
Medications help symptoms but therapy treats trauma
Forcing trauma discussion
Heightened startle response and constant scanning for danger
Hypervigilance
Substance commonly misused by patients with PTSD
Alcohol (or substances)
Primary nursing goal during acute PTSD symptoms
Safety and grounding
Medication commonly used for PTSD-related nightmares
Prazosin
Why focusing on childhood trauma details is a trap
: It distracts from current safety
Avoidance of people, places, or conversations related to trauma
Avoidance symptoms
PTSD symptom that most increases risk for impulsive behavior
Hyperarousal
Nursing focus when a patient reports trauma history
Current functioning
Why benzodiazepines are avoided in PTSD
Risk for dependence and worsening symptoms
Exam clue that signals a need to stop questioning
Patient becomes overwhelmed or dissociative
PTSD symptom cluster involving guilt, shame, or distorted beliefs
Negative cognition and mood
Why untreated PTSD increases risk for depression
Chronic stress and emotional dysregulation
Best response when a patient becomes overwhelmed during assessment
Slow the interaction and provide grounding
Medication effect that requires monitoring early in treatment
Increased suicide risk
Why “tell me more about the trauma” is often wrong
Can re-traumatize early in care
Minimum requirement for diagnosing PTSD related to symptom duration
Symptoms lasting longer than 1 month
Assessment that must always be prioritized in PTSD
Suicide risk
Priority when PTSD symptoms escalate suddenly
Ensure safety before further assessment
Medication teaching priority for PTSD patients
Medications help symptoms but therapy treats trauma
Core NCLEX rule for PTSD questions
Safety before story