An adolescent with a gunshot wound presents to the emergency department with his distraught parents. He states that he saw a classmate shoot his teacher and several other students. As a result of the shooting incident, the nurse expects this adolescent to be at risk for which disorder?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Witnessing a traumatic event such as a shooting can lead to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Symptoms of PTSD include re-experiencing the trauma (such as flashbacks or nightmares), avoidance behaviors (such as avoiding places or people that may remind the individual of the trauma), negative changes in mood and cognition (such as feelings of guilt or shame, memory difficulties, or having a negative outlook), and hyperarousal (being easily startled or having difficulty sleeping). While conduct disorder, depression, and school phobia may be possible concerns in this scenario, PTSD is the most likely outcome given the traumatic event described.

An Adolescent with a Gunshot Wound Presents to the Emergency