Deck 36: Soldiers and Veterans

Question 1

A nurse talks with the caregiver of a combat veteran diagnosed with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). The caregiver says, "I don't know how much longer I can do it. My whole life is consumed with taking care of my partner." Which intervention should the nurse implement initially?

A) Assess the needs of the veteran.
B) Identify resources that serve veterans and their caregivers.
C) Determine when these feelings of stress began.
D) Assess the caregiver for specific needs.

Answer 1

Assess the caregiver for specific needs.

Question 2

Which terms have historically been applied to soldiers suffering psychiatric distress related to exposure to the horrors of war? (Select all that apply.)

A) Shell shock
B) Battle fatigue
C) Soldier's heart
D) Cyclothymic disorder
E) PTSD

Answer 2

Shell shock
Battle fatigue
Soldier's heart
PTSD

Question 3

A nurse assesses soldiers in a combat zone. When is it most important for the nurse to screen for signs and symptoms of traumatic brain injury (TBI)?

A) After exposure to a blast
B) Before departing to return home
C) One year after returning from combat
D) Immediately upon return to the United States

Answer 3

After exposure to a blast

Question 4

A soldier in a combat zone tells the nurse, "I saw a child get blown up over a year ago, but I keep seeing bits of flesh everywhere. I see something red and the visions race back to my mind." The soldier is describing which phenomenon associated with PTSD?

A) Re-experiencing
B) Hyperarousal
C) Avoidance
D) Psychosis

Question 5

A nurse assesses the health status of soldiers returning from Afghanistan. Screening will be a priority for signs and symptoms of which health problems? (Select all that apply.)

A) Schizophrenia
B) Bulimia nervosa
C) Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
D) Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
E) Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Question 6

A nurse manages a program providing services to combat veterans diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Which common symptom of this disorder should be discussed to help minimize its effect on the veteran's personal relationships?

A) Avoidance
B) Hypervigilance
C) Flashbacks
D) Nightmares

Question 7

General George Patton led U.S. troops in Europe and Africa during World War II. His career was marred by an incident of scolding a distressed, frightened soldier as "a coward," and "yellow." Patton behavior embodied which phenomenon associated with symptom delay in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?

A) Stigma
B) Lag time
C) Obscuration
D) Comorbidity

Question 8

A nurse counsels an 87-year-old veteran of World War II who tearfully shares memories of sights associated with Nazi concentration camps. Which term will be most familiar to this veteran?

A) Shell shock
B) Battle fatigue
C) Soldier's heart
D) PTSD

Question 9

A soldier who served in a combat zone returned home to the United States. The soldier's spouse reports to the nurse, "She planned to go to law school but now she won't even talk about the future." The spouse is describing which symptom associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?

A) Re-experiencing
B) Hyperarousal
C) Avoidance
D) Psychosis

Question 10

A soldier experienced a traumatic brain injury (TBI) associated with acceleration/deceleration forces. Which part of the neuron was most likely damaged?

A) Axon
B) Dendrite
C) Telomere
D) Cell body

Question 11

When is it most important for the nurse to screen for signs and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?

A) Screening should be ongoing
B) Before departing to return to the United States
C) Immediately upon return from the combat zone
D) One year after returning from the combat experience

Question 12

A soldier was diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The soldier's spouse reports that when a telephone rings during the night, the soldier rolls out of bed and assumes an aggressive stance. How will the nurse document this finding?

A) Flashback
B) Avoidance
C) Hyperarousal
D) Re-experiencing

Question 13

Which social event would likely be most disturbing for this soldier diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?

A) Halloween festival with neighborhood children
B) Picnic and fireworks display on July 4th
C) Singing carols around a Christmas tree
D) A family outing to the seashore

Question 14

A combat veteran diagnosed with traumatic brain injury (TBI), depression, and anxiety begins new prescriptions for sertraline and lorazepam. In recognition of potential long-term repercussions, the nurse should provide teaching related to which topic?

A) Nonpharmacologic strategies for managing anxiety
B) Identifying signs and symptoms of hepatotoxicity
C) Recognizing evidence of tardive dyskinesia
D) Strategies for preventing obesity

Question 15

Excitotoxicity in a person diagnosed with traumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated primarily with which neurotransmitter?

A) Norepinephrine
B) Glutamate
C) Dopamine
D) Serotonin

Question 16

A combat veteran diagnosed with moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI) is agitated and aggressive. Which pharmacologic intervention would the nurse expect to be effective?

A) Bupropion
B) Benztropine
C) Methylphenidate
D) Buspirone

Question 17

A combat veteran diagnosed with a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) returned to college after discharge from the armed forces. The veteran began tutoring after scoring poorly in three courses. Which strategy can the tutor use to assist the veteran's academic achievement?

A) Decrease extraneous stimuli to improve attention span.
B) Practice deep breathing to increase the brain's oxygen supply.
C) Increase caffeine intake to counteract drowsiness and fatigue.
D) Play background music while studying to improve concentration.

Question 18

A veteran with a suspected traumatic brain injury (TBI) is scheduled for diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). What statement demonstrates the nurse's understanding of the purpose of this diagnostic test?

A) "This test will help show whether tracts in your central nervous system are damaged."
B) "This test will measure changes in chemicals that transmit messages between your brain and spinal cord."
C) "This test will help predict what types of medication will be effective for treating your symptoms."
D) "This test will help your health care provider decide whether or not a computed tomography (CT) scan is needed to further diagnose your injuries."

Question 19

A soldier who served in Iraq tells the nurse, "I saw my buddy step on a land mine in a field and get blown up. I relive the event; the sounds and the smells, everytime I walk along a grassy path." How should the nurse document this experience?

A) Thought intrusion
B) Repetitive dreams
C) Hallucinations
D) Flashbacks

Question 20

A soldier returned home last year after deployment to a war zone. The soldier's spouse reports, "We had planned to start a family right away, but now he won't talk about it. He won't even look at children. I wonder if we're going to make it as a couple." Select the nurse's best response.

A) "PTSD often changes a person's sexual functioning."
B) "I encourage you to continue to participate in social activities where children are present."
C) "Have you talked with your spouse about these reactions? Sometimes we just need to confront behavior."
D) "PTSD often strains relationships. Here are some community resources for help."

Question 21

A combat veteran diagnosed with moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI) will begin pharmacologic therapies that include psychotropic medication. What information should the nurse provide? (Select all that apply.)

A) "We will monitor you closely for how each medication affects you."
B) "Medications can be expected to dramatically improve your symptoms."
C) "Please be patient as your health care provider identifies the best drugs for your problems."
D) "The blood levels of most medications you take will need to be checked with laboratory testing."
E) "Be prepared for frequent dose changes as your health care provider adjusts the dose to meet your needs."