A client diagnosed with PTSD states, Why did my doctor prescribe ...

[Diane]

A client diagnosed with PTSD states, Why did my doctor prescribe an antidepressant rather than an antianxiety drug for me? Which of the following are the most appropriate nursing responses? (Select all that apply.)
 
  1. I'm not sure, because antianxiety drugs have been approved by the FDA for PTSD.
  2. Antidepressants are now considered first-line treatment choice for PTSD.
  3. Many people have adverse reactions to antianxiety drugs.
  4. Because of their addictive properties, antianxiety drugs are less desirable.
  5. There have been no controlled studies on the effect of antianxiety drugs on PTSD.

Question 2

A nurse would recognize which of the following as the best predictors of PTSD in Vietnam veterans? (Select all that apply.)
 
  1. The severity of the stressor
  2. The degree of ego strength
  3. The degree of psychosocial isolation in the recovery environment
  4. The attitudes of society regarding the experience
  5. The presence of preexisting psychopathology

[underwood14]

Answer to Question 1

2, 4, 5
Rationale: Antidepressants are now considered the first-line treatment of choice for PTSD. There has been an absence of controlled studies demonstrating the efficacy of benzodiazepines for the treatment of PTSD. Their addictive properties make them less desirable than other medications used in the treatment of PTSD. Paroxetine and sertraline (antidepressant drugs), not antianxiety drugs, have been approved by the FDA for the treatment of PTSD. Adverse reactions can occur with the use of anxiolytic drugs, but these reactions are not common.

Answer to Question 2

1, 3
Rationale: In research with Vietnam veterans, it was shown that the best predictors of PTSD were the severity of the stressor and the degree of psychosocial isolation in the recovery environment.

[Diane]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it

[diana chang]

Excellent