The nurse assesses a 6-year-old child for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The caregiver explains that the child witnessed the mother being stabbed by a neighbor. Which behavior is consistent with the child's diagnosis?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To diagnose a child 6 years of age and under with PTSD there needs to be a pattern of irritable behavior and angry outbursts by the child for at least 1 month after the traumatic event. Having symptoms of depression and being resistant to attend school may be clinically relevant, yet the duration of symptoms must be for at least 1 month. It would be more relevant if the resistance to attend school was due to the child's avoidance due to a trauma-related factor such as an assault on school property or by a peer who attends the school. There is no diagnostic relevance to a child having an excessive interest in violent games.

The Nurse Assesses a 6-Year-Old Child for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder