The nurse cares for a client newly diagnosed with acute stress disorder following a traumatic event. Which of the following communications by the nurse are appropriate? Select all that apply.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Acute stress disorder (ASD) occurs following a traumatic or extremely stressful event. ASD is characterized by intrusive memories of the event, negative mood, dissociative symptoms (eg, altered sense of reality), and arousal and reactivity symptoms (eg, hyperactive sensory state, sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating, easily startled). If these symptoms continue beyond a month after the event, the diagnosis becomes post-traumatic stress disorder. Nursing interventions for a client with ASD include: Assessing for ideas and plans to commit self-harm (Option E) Assessing for ineffective coping (eg, use of drugs and alcohol) (Option D) Assessing impact of ASD on the client's job performance, relationships, sleep pattern, and ability to perform activities of daily living (Option A) Explaining that feelings and/or symptoms occurring after traumatic events are normal, as this can help alleviate the client's anxiety (Option C) Exploring coping strategies used in previous stressful situations (Option B) The client should be encouraged to discuss the traumatic event. As part of the debriefing process, the nurse should acknowledge and validate the associated feelings and behaviors. Educational objective: Clients with acute stress disorder (ASD) should be encouraged to discuss the traumatic event and explore the associated feelings. The nurse should validate the client's feelings; assess risk for self-harm and ineffective coping (eg, drug and alcohol use); and evaluate the impact of ASD on the client's sleep, occupation, and relationships.

The Nurse Cares for a Client Newly Diagnosed with Acute