A soldier who served in a combat zone returned to the United ...

[yoroshambo]

A soldier who served in a combat zone returned to the United States. The soldier's spouse complains to the nurse, We had planned to start a family, but now he won't talk about it. He won't even look at children.
 
  The spouse is describing which symptom associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?
 
  a. Reexperiencing
  b. Hyperarousal
  c. Avoidance
  d. Psychosis

Question 2

A soldier returned home last year after deployment to a war zone. The soldier's spouse complains, We were going to start a family but now he won't talk about it. He will not look at children. I wonder if we're going to make it as a couple.
 
  Select the nurse's best response.
 
  a. Posttraumatic stress disorder 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. Posttraumatic stress disorder often strains relationships. Here are some community resources for help and support.

[snackralk]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Physiologic reactions to reminders of the event include a persistent avoidance of the stimuli associated with the trauma; the individual avoids talking about the event or avoids activities, people, or places that arouse memories of the trauma. Avoidance is exemplified by a sense of foreshortened future and estrangement. No evidence suggests that this soldier is having a hyperarousal reaction or is reexperiencing war-related traumas. Psychosis is not evident.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
PSTD precipitates changes that often lead to divorce. Providing support to both the veteran and spouse is important. Confrontation will not be effective. Although providing information is important, ongoing support is more effective.